In a world where the pressing issues facing the nation can often outshout the cries of the most vulnerable, the Trump administration is tuning in to some unexpected, albeit deserving, voices—the voices of our beloved furry friends. Yes, in a move bound to stir up more than a few purrs of approval and wagging tails, several members of what is anticipated to be the second Trump administration have decided to tackle animal welfare head-on. This initiative, led by a cadre of passionate cabinet members, seeks to end the abominable practices of puppy mills, animal testing, and dogfighting.

Let’s be honest, dogfighting shouldn’t exist in a civil society. It’s a ghastly stain on humanity when folks decide to pit man’s best friend against each other for sport and money. Kudos to the gutsy move by the Department of Justice under President Trump, for zeroing in on this cruelty. They proudly touted their first-ever conviction where using a firearm in violent crime was dogfighting-related. Apparently, in Trump’s America, no one—not even a former NFL player—is above the law. One can hardly wait for dog-loving Americans across the country to burst into applause at the idea of cracking down on such horrendous acts.

Next on the list is the equally troubling operation of puppy mills, which have long haunted the hearts of animal lovers. These profit-driven facilities have been churning out puppies like factory widgets, often with little regard for their welfare. Regulators have historically turned a blind eye. But, as the administration insists, this lax attitude is getting a shake-up. With compliance to animal welfare laws on the rise, the last stubborn 8% of wrongdoers will now have to reckon with dedicated strikes and zero tolerance for cruelty—a cliché but nonetheless revolutionary.

Don’t think they’ve forgotten about the little critters in science labs, either. Animal testing has been a troubling practice that’s long outstayed its welcome. According to the Trump administration’s spirited new approach, researchers are kindly being nudged into the 21st century. Internal studies suggest that testing alternatives aren’t just humane; heck, they’re more efficient too! No more monkeys in cages; it’s high time they head off to a sanctuary instead of meeting some grim end post-experiment. It seems educating researchers is the new strategy, and wind of a new rule allowing NIH funds to support retiring primates to sanctuaries is refreshingly heartwarming.

Of course, one must thread this delicate needle carefully. Striking the balance between advocating for cute critters and supporting America’s agricultural backbone is no easy task. Fear not, though; this is America—the land where one can support noble causes without trampling over others. There’s assurance buzzing around that this animal-friendly turn won’t negatively impact farmers. Yes, more empathetic conservation doesn’t strip away the USA’s legacy of freedom and prosperity.

And there you have it. America is experiencing an unexpected love affair with animal welfare, courtesy of the powers-that-be. It appears that in this administration, compassion isn’t just an option—it’s a priority. With strike forces, prosecutorial zeal, and a newfound commitment to whiskered and furry justice, this administration is committed to making America more animal-friendly again.