The House of Representatives has passed the Bill to Outlaw Wounding of Official Working Animals Act, known as the BOWOW Act, in a 228–190 vote, drawing sharp political reactions and highlighting divisions over immigration enforcement policy.
The legislation establishes that non-citizens who are convicted of, or admit to, harming animals used in law enforcement—such as police dogs or federal working animals—can be deemed inadmissible to the United States and subject to deportation. The measure aims to add specific immigration consequences to offenses involving service animals that assist in policing, border enforcement, and security operations.
The Democrats just decided to officially become the party of PUNCHING PUPPIES.
190 Democrats just voted to give illegal immigrants the RIGHT TO PHYSICALLY ABUSE American service dogs — serving with law enforcement protecting American citizens.
The level Democrats will go to…
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) March 19, 2026
Support for the bill came primarily from Republicans, joined by 15 Democrats. The majority of Democratic lawmakers—190 in total—voted against the measure. That voting breakdown quickly became a focal point in the political response following the bill’s passage.
Truly sickening. https://t.co/75IFejT1GL
— Stephen Miller (@StephenM) March 19, 2026
House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Democratic opposition in strong terms, framing the vote as prioritizing non-citizens over law enforcement protections. Other Republican officials echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the role of working animals in public safety and border operations. Representative Mike Simpson described the legislation as a straightforward decision, citing both law enforcement support and the importance of protecting service animals.
Harming a law enforcement working animal is appalling and evil. As a dog lover and someone who adamantly supports the working dogs who have served on the front lines, voting in favor of this bill was one of the easiest decisions of my congressional career. https://t.co/CKfFct84pN
— Congressman Mike Simpson (@CongMikeSimpson) March 19, 2026
The bill was introduced by Representative Ken Calvert and follows a 2025 incident at Washington Dulles International Airport in which a U.S. Customs and Border Protection dog named Freddie was injured after being kicked by a traveler. The individual later pleaded guilty, and veterinary reports confirmed the dog suffered physical injuries.
Service animals serve our communities and protect lives.
The BOWOW Act would deport noncitizens who harm service animals.
190 Democrats voted NO. pic.twitter.com/n2k3j6L0tl
— Rep. Claudia Tenney (@RepTenney) March 19, 2026
Democratic lawmakers have not uniformly outlined a single reason for opposition, but such votes often hinge on concerns related to how immigration penalties are structured, proportionality of enforcement measures, or broader disagreements over immigration policy frameworks.
The legislation now moves forward in the legislative process, where its future will depend on Senate consideration.
