Presidential hopeful Julián Castro plans to crack down on animal abusers if elected to office, according to a new plan released by the candidate on Monday.
Dubbed as the Protecting Animals and Wildlife (PAW) plan, the proposal would make animal abuse a federal crime, raise factory farm standards, and end the euthanasia of domestic dogs and cats for population control purposes, among other things.
“The president does not care about animals and his cruel actions prove it,” said Secretary Julián Castro in a statement. “He has put corporate profits over living creatures and individual fortunes over our future. This groundbreaking plan will improve the treatment of animals around the country and the world, and undo Donald Trump’s damage.”
Castro’s new plan would also expand federally protected land to prevent the destruction of animal habitats, and support local governments with funding to expand veterinary care for spaying and neutering services. Overall, the comprehensive plan includes proposals for issues across the board when it comes to animal welfare. Castro’s campaign says it’s the first such plan to be released by any of the Democratic candidates.
Fernando covers Texas politics and government at the Texas Signal. Before joining the Signal, Fernando spent two years at the Houston Chronicle and previously interned at Houston’s NPR station News 88.7. He is a graduate of the University of Houston, Jack J. Valenti School of Communication, and enjoys reading, highlighting things, and arguing on social media. You can follow him on Twitter at @fernramirez93 or email at fernando@texassignal.com
