By THE ALASKA STORY
March 23, 2026 – A bill that would make noncitizens deportable for assaulting law-enforcement animals passed the US House last week, drawing opposition from nearly all Democrats.
The “Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals,” known as the BOWOW Act, passed on a 228–190 vote. All voting Republicans supported it; 15 Democrats voted in favor (with Rep. Kevin Kiley, an Independent from California, also supporting); 190 Democrats voted against the measure.
The legislation amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to make any noncitizen who is convicted of, or admits to, harming a law-enforcement animal inadmissible to the United States and subject to deportation. The provision applies to police dogs and horses used in official duties.
The public-safety measure argues that K-9 units and mounted patrol animals are integral members of law enforcement and face similar risks as officers in the field. Officers are increasingly under attack by radical leftists.
The legislation was introduced by Rep. Ken Calvert, a California Republican, following a 2025 incident at Washington Dulles International Airport. In that case, an Egyptian national kicked “Freddie,” a US Customs and Border Protection beagle working in a baggage screening operation. The man was prosecuted, convicted, and deported.
Backers of the bill said the legislation codifies that outcome and removes ambiguity in immigration law.
Republican leaders criticized Democrats for opposing the measure. House Speaker Mike Johnson mocked the vote, calling Democrats the “party of punching puppies” after the bill passed.
Democrats who opposed the legislation say the bill is unnecessary, noting that assaulting law-enforcement animals is already a federal crime. Some also raised concerns about expanding deportable offenses in immigration law.
The measure now heads to the Senate, where it was read into the record on Friday and referred to the Judiciary Committee, chaired by Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley.
One thought on “House passes BOWOW Act, would make noncitizens deportable for assaulting law-enforcement animals”
Of course the Democrats are against it. They don’t support any reason to deport their precious pet illegal votes. Doesn’t matter why. They could be caught eating live baby kittens, and the Democrats would say” give them citizenship now!and a salary!!” Make their votes count Quintuple!!”