Skip to main content

Gallagher Highlights Growing National Attention for Dunkin’s Law

October 29, 2026

NBC News, Newsweek, and outlets across California spotlight legislation to strengthen protections for companion animals

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congressman James Gallagher (CA-01) is highlighting growing national and regional media coverage of his newly introduced Dunkin’s Law, legislation that would strengthen federal protections for companion animals and give pet owners a path to justice when their animal is harmed or killed while entrusted to commercial pet-care facilities.

Gallagher recently spoke with CBS News and NBC News about the legislation, which was inspired by the heartbreaking loss of Dunkin, the beloved dog of Madeleine White and Andrew Fedyk. The story has since drawn coverage from major national outlets, including Newsweek, while television stations and newspapers throughout the North State have highlighted the bill’s provisions addressing animal rescues and shelters.

Watch CBS News LA Coverage of Dunkin’s Law

Image removed.

 

Watch NBC News Coverage of Dunkin’s Law

Image removed.

“People trust these businesses with animals they love, and that trust comes with a responsibility,” Gallagher continued. “A family shouldn't be told their dog was nothing more than damaged property when negligence leads to tragedy. We need laws that recognize the seriousness of that loss and give families a real opportunity to hold those responsible accountable.”

Gallagher also spoke with KQED and KCRA 3 about the horrific discovery of more than 100 dead dogs at an animal rescue in Humboldt County, California. During these interviews, Gallagher emphasized that the tragedy raises serious concerns about animal welfare that extend far beyond Northern California. The disturbing discovery underscores the need for stronger protections and greater accountability to prevent similar tragedies from happening elsewhere.

As national attention continues to grow, Dunkin’s Law is bringing renewed focus to the need for stronger protections for companion animals and meaningful legal recourse for families when facilities entrusted with their pets fail to provide proper care.

Read more about Dunkin’s Law and the growing media coverage below.

National Coverage

California and Regional Coverage

Television Coverage

International Coverage

As coverage of Dunkin’s Law continues, Gallagher is working to bring attention to the gaps in existing animal welfare protections and the need for meaningful legal remedies for families whose pets are harmed while in the care of others.

Read the full text of Dunkin’s Law.

###

 

Click the link here to subscribe to Rep. Gallagher’s eNewsletter!

Rep. James Gallagher | 408 Cannon House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515 US

 

Congressman James Gallagher proudly represents California's First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.