Contact Congress about H.R. 3538: Wildlife Confiscations Network Act of 2025

Federal officers would get a national network to help place and care for live animals seized from wildlife trafficking cases. The program would cover certain endangered and treaty-listed species taken at or near U.S. borders and ports. It would also create a database of approved facilities and fund the effort through 2030.

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Wildlife Confiscations Network Act of 2025 is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

Latest action on H.R. 3538: Subcommittee Hearings Held

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects federal wildlife officers, border and port staff, and animal care groups that may take in seized wildlife. It could also matter for zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries, rescues, rehab groups, nonprofits, and universities that want to join the network. Endangered and other protected animals covered by the bill would be the direct subject of the program. The bill could also affect criminal wildlife trafficking cases because officers would have one system for placing live evidence.

Why this matters: Seized wildlife often needs fast medical care, safe housing, and sometimes quarantine, and border officers may not be set up to provide that. This bill tries to solve that problem by creating one national system to find qualified facilities quickly. That could help officers keep cases moving while animals get better care. The bigger results for wildlife trafficking would depend on how well the network works in practice, how many facilities join, and whether Congress keeps funding it.

Key provisions in H.R. 3538

• Creates a national Wildlife Confiscations Network. The Secretary of the Interior would run it through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a voluntary, cooperative program.
• Requires the program to work with a professional zoo accrediting association. That group must already have the staff and know-how to handle wildlife confiscation cases.
• Covers only certain seized animals. They must be taken at or near U.S. borders or ports and be either listed under CITES, the international wildlife trade treaty, or protected as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
• Requires the network to make one coordinated response plan for seized animals. The plan must cover their care and welfare from the time officers take them until they are placed somewhere.
• Requires a database of approved animal care facilities. Those facilities must be able to give emergency triage right away and also provide longer-term care and housing.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 3538

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 3538

What is H.R. 3538?

Federal officers would get a national network to help place and care for live animals seized from wildlife trafficking cases. The program would cover certain endangered and treaty-listed species taken at or near U.S. borders and ports. It would also create a database of approved facilities and fund the effort through 2030.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 3538?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 3538?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 3538 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.