S 2162119th CongressIn Committee

Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025

Introduced: Jun 25, 2025

Environment & Climate

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Kangaroo Protection Act of 2025 would bar the import to the United States for commercial purposes, possession with intent to sell, and interstate commerce of live kangaroos and of items made wholly or partly from kangaroos. It defines four species as kangaroos for purposes of the act and creates penalties for violators, along with a requirement that the Commerce Department issue implementing regulations in coordination with other federal agencies. The prohibitions would take effect 180 days after enactment. The bill aims to reduce exploitation and trafficking of kangaroos by constraining both the import/export of kangaroos and the sale and distribution of kangaroo products within the U.S.

Key Points

1Definitions: “Kangaroo” includes four species (western grey kangaroo, eastern grey kangaroo, common wallaroo, and red kangaroo). “Kangaroo product” means any item composed in whole or in part of a kangaroo.
2Unlawful acts: It is illegal to bring a kangaroo into the U.S. for commercial purposes, possess a kangaroo with intent to sell, or sell a kangaroo; and to introduce or manufacture for introduction into interstate commerce, sell or offer to sell, trade, advertise, transport, or distribute any kangaroo product.
3Criminal penalties: Violations can carry up to a $10,000 fine and/or up to 1 year in prison per offense, with each violation treated as a separate offense. The location of the offense is the district where the kangaroo or kangaroo product was taken or possessed.
4Regulations: The Secretary of Commerce must issue regulations to implement the act, in consultation with the Attorney General, the Secretary of Agriculture, and the head of other appropriate agencies.
5Effective date: The prohibitions and penalties take effect 180 days after enactment.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Businesses that import, manufacture, sell, or distribute kangaroo products (including meat, leather goods, and other items made from kangaroos) would face new federal prohibitions and potential penalties; regulators and law enforcement would oversee compliance.Secondary group/area affected: Wildlife conservation advocates and animal welfare groups may support the act as a tool to protect kangaroos; international trade partners (notably Australia) and global wildlife trafficking networks could be impacted by changed demand and enforcement practices.Additional impacts: There could be compliance costs for manufacturers and retailers to verify supply chains and avoid kangaroo materials; potential disruption for products that historically used kangaroo components (e.g., some leather or novelty items); ambiguity around possession of kangaroos or kangaroo products by individuals for personal use (not clearly prohibited unless tied to commerce or sale). Regulators will need to define enforcement mechanisms and exceptions, if any, through the forthcoming regulations.

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