PRESS ESC TO CLOSE
 

House Passes Bill to Make Animal Cruelty and Torture a Federal Offense

Share
A black and white dog is staring at the camera.

This week, animal lovers are celebrating.

The House of Representatives passed a bill to make animal cruelty a federal crime. Called The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act, or (PACT), the law will make it a federal crime to cause intentional harm to an animal, including if an animal is “crushed, burned, drowned, suffocated, impaled or otherwise subjected to serious bodily injury.”

Sponsored by Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL) and Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), PACT looks to strengthen a previous law, the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act, which crazily enough, only punished a person for the creation and distribution of animal abuse. The actual act of abusing an animal was not included in the law.

Related: One Year Later: Abused Pit Bull Caitlyn Found With Electrical Tape Around Her Muzzle Is Thriving

“Today’s vote is a significant milestone in the bipartisan quest to end animal abuse and protect our pets,” Deutch said in a statement. “This bill sends a clear message that our society does not accept cruelty against animals.”

Animal welfare organizations applauded the law.

“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,” Sara Amundson, the president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund, said. “Federal prosecutors and law enforcement officials will finally have the tools they need to bring those responsible for cruelty to animals to justice.”

PACT will now be part of a handful of federal laws to protect animals, including the Animal Welfare Act, which makes animal fighting illegal. The law will not interfere or override state and local laws.

PACT still needs to pass in the Senate, but it has already supported the bill in previous sessions.

“I look forward to the Senate’s swift passage and the President’s signature,” Deutch said.

Related: Here’s Why 33 States Have Laws for Tethering – And What You Can Do

By Andrea Huspeni

Andrea Huspeni is the founder and CEO of This Dog's Life. Her mission it to help dogs live a happier, healthier and longer life. When she isn't working, she spends time with her two dogs, Lola and Milo. She resides in Brooklyn, NY.

All You Need

Shop now
Loading component ...
What My Dog, My Zen Master, Taught Me About Life After My Mom's Passing

What My Dog, My Zen Master, Taught Me About Life After My Mom's Passing

Some of the Most Popular Valentine’s Day Flowers are Toxic to Dogs. Do you Know Which Ones to Avoid?

Some of the Most Popular Valentine’s Day Flowers are Toxic to Dogs. Do you Know Which Ones to Avoid?

What’s Going on With Your Senior Dog: Is it Behavioral or Medical?

What’s Going on With Your Senior Dog: Is it Behavioral or Medical?

The 6 Winter Skin Miracles Your Dog Needs

The 6 Winter Skin Miracles Your Dog Needs