| House of Congress makes cruelty federal crime
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Issue: 08/11/2019
Last week the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act was passed after being introduced by Florida congressmen Ted Deutch (Democrat) and Vern Buchanan (Republican).
Mr Buchanan said, 'The torture of innocent animals is abhorrent and should be punished to the fullest extent of the law. Passing the PACT Act sends a strong message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.'
Up till now federal law only covered animal fighting and those who created and sold videos depicting animal cruelty. This law will allow the authorities to go after people who perpetrate animal cruelty and they will not be bound by state laws. They can also prosecute criminals who perform these acts on federal property.
Under the act, a person can be prosecuted for crushing, burning, drowning, suffocating, impaling animals and sexually exploiting them. Those convicted will face fines and up to seven years in prison or both.
'Today's vote is a significant milestone in the bipartisan quest to end animal abuse and protect our pets,' Mr Deutch said in a statement. '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.
'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.'
Animal rights campaigners were pleased and Sara Amundson, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund said, 'These malicious acts deserve federal scrutiny and action. Federal prosecutors and law enforcement officials will finally have the tools they need to bring those responsible for cruelty to animals to justice.'
