Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
- Committees
- Environment and Public Works Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jun 25, 2025
Bottom line
The Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025 aims to halt the commercial trade of kangaroos and kangaroo products within the United States by establishing a comprehensive ban and associated penalties.
What it actually does
This bill makes it unlawful to commercially import, possess with intent to sell, or sell kangaroos in the United States. It also prohibits the introduction, manufacture, sale, trade, advertisement, transport, or distribution of kangaroo products in interstate commerce. The act defines specific kangaroo species covered and sets criminal penalties for violations.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill is crucial for protecting kangaroo populations from inhumane culling practices and unsustainable commercial harvesting, promoting animal welfare, and aligning U.S. policy with ethical consumption standards. They contend that the commercial trade contributes to cruelty and ecological imbalance.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that the bill interferes with Australia's sovereign wildlife management practices, which include regulated culling programs for population control. They may also contend that it will negatively impact U.S. businesses and consumers reliant on kangaroo products, such as those in the sporting goods or fashion industries, potentially leading to economic disruption and higher costs for alternatives.
The bill is very short and can be read and understood quickly by any informed reader.
Section 2(a)
Definitions of 'Kangaroo' and 'Kangaroo Product'
This section precisely defines what constitutes a 'kangaroo' under the act, listing four specific species: the western grey kangaroo, eastern grey kangaroo, common wallaroo, and red kangaroo. It also clarifies that a 'kangaroo product' is any item made in whole or in part from these animals. These definitions are critical for establishing the scope of the prohibitions.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that clear and specific definitions are essential to ensure the effective enforcement of the ban and prevent loopholes that could undermine the bill's conservation goals.
Critics contend
Critics may contend that the broad definition of 'kangaroo product' could inadvertently impact a wide range of goods, potentially causing unforeseen economic disruption for businesses that use even minor components derived from kangaroos.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the need for comprehensive coverage to achieve conservation objectives against the potential for broad economic impact on industries that utilize kangaroo-derived materials.
Section 2(b)
Prohibition on Commercial Kangaroo and Kangaroo Product Activities
This is the core operative section of the bill, making it illegal for any person to knowingly engage in commercial activities involving kangaroos or kangaroo products. Specifically, it bans bringing kangaroos into the U.S. for commercial purposes, possessing or selling them with intent to sell, and introducing, manufacturing, selling, trading, advertising, transporting, or distributing kangaroo products in interstate commerce.
Section 2(c)
Criminal Penalties for Violations
This section establishes the legal consequences for knowingly violating the act. Individuals or entities found in violation face a fine of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. It also specifies that each violation constitutes a separate offense and clarifies that the offense is deemed to have occurred in the district where the defendant possessed the kangaroo or product.
Section 2(e)
Effective Date of Prohibitions
This section stipulates that the core provisions of the act—the definitions, unlawful acts, and criminal penalties—will take effect 180 days after the date the bill is enacted into law. This provides a transition period before the prohibitions become legally binding.