The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act that would establish a federal anti-cruelty statute.
The PACT Act, led by U.S. Reps. Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Vern Buchanan (R-FL), will prohibit extreme acts of cruelty when they occur in interstate commerce or on federal property
It will prohibit extreme acts of cruelty including burning, crushing, and drowning of an animal. It also cracks down on sexual abuse of animals. Creating and distributing animal cruelty videos will also a crime.
“Today’s vote is a significant milestone in the bipartisan quest to end animal abuse and protect our pets,” Deutch told Oklahoma’s News 4. “This bill sends a clear message that our society does not accept cruelty against animals. We’ve received support from so many Americans from across the country and across the political spectrum. Animal rights activists have stood up for living things that do not have a voice. Law enforcement officers have sought a federal overlay to help them stop animal abusers who are likely to commit acts of violence against people. And animal lovers everywhere know this is simply the right thing to do. I’m deeply thankful for all of the advocates who helped us pass this bill, and I look forward to the Senate’s swift passage and the President’s signature.”
A violator of this bill would be subject to criminal penalties such as a fine or prison term up to seven years or both.
