The US House of Representatives on Tuesday passed The PACT (Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture) Act. It will allow authorities to go after offenders as they will have federal jurisdiction.
Acts of Animal Cruelty have been spotted several times in the past. However, the previous bill of 2010 (Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act) only made the creation and distribution of animal crushing videos illegal. The revised PACT bill closes that loophole and would provide jurisdiction for any acts of animal cruelty.
The bipartisan act was introduced by Florida congressmen Ted Deutch and Vern Buchanan.
Deutch said, “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”.
He further added, “I’m deeply thankful for all of the advocates who helped us pass this bill’. He also looks forward to the Senate’s swift passage and the President’s signature”.
Vern Buchanan cited that “The torture of innocent animals is abhorrent and should be punished to the fullest extent of the law”.
A fact sheet outlining the bill reveals the purpose of the PACT Act. The act is purposed to strengthen’ that 2010 law, making it a federal crime for ‘any person to intentionally engage in animal crushing. Highlighting if the animals or animal crushing is in, substantially affects, or uses a means or facility of, interstate or foreign commerce.
Sara Amundson, the president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund, also praised the bill. She said, “Over the course of 30 years in animal protection, I have encountered terrible animal cruelties, but acts of intentional torture are the most disturbing because they demonstrate how some people treat the most vulnerable in our society”.
She added that “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.”
