The United States House of Representatives passed a bill that makes animal cruelty a "federal felony." The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act, or PACT Act, forbids abusive behavior such as impaling, burning, crushing, drowning, suffocating, and other bodily injuries towards any non-human creatures.
Democrat Ted Deutch and Republican Vern Buchanan, both congress members from Florida, introduced the said bill in January. It was approved Tuesday, October 24, by a voice vote.
What are the Components of the PACT Act?
The PACT Act expands the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act of 2010. According to the Office of Congressman Deutch, the new act fixed a loophole in the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act by prohibiting the underlying cruelty that prompts animal abuse.
The office added that the underlying deeds of animal cruelty were not included in the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act. Deutch added that the PACT Act closes the loophole by banning some other instances of animal abuse.
In a written statement, Deutch noted "a significant milestone" in the bipartisan quest to stop animal abuse. He said the PACT Act conveys a clear message that the society does not allow any form of animal cruelty.
"We've received support from so many Americans from across the country and [the] political spectrum. Animal rights activists [stood] up for living things that do not have a voice," the congressman added.
Deutch also posted in his official Twitter account on Tuesday that the act "is a major step to end animal abuse and protect our pets."
Deutch explained that law enforcement sought federal guidelines to assist them in stopping animal abusers who are likewise considered more likely to commit violent acts against humans. People found guilty of animal cruelty could face criminal penalties which could either be a fine or a prison term of up to seven years, or both.
Buchanan said passing the PACT Act conveys a strong note that the government will not tolerate such behaviors. Protecting animals from cruelty is a top priority for the lawmaker who affirmed that he will continue working with Congressman Deutch to get the vital bill signed into law.
Animal rights advocates lauds Congress' decision
In a news report, Animal Wellness Foundation Director of Federal Affairs Holly Gann said most people are surprised that the United States does not have a federal animal cruelty law yet. Enacting the bill, according to the official, sends a signal that the nation does not tolerate intentional animal cruelty.
Humane Society Legislative Fund president Sara Amundson expressed her appreciation to the House for the effort of passing the bill, which would still be reviewed by the Senate before being made into a law. She underscored, in a written statement, that intentional torture is the most disturbing action she has encountered after being in the animal protection sector for over 30 years. She also said that these people who engage in any form of animal cruelty somehow reveal how they treat the other vulnerable members of our society.
Amundson also thanked Representatives Ted Deutch (D-Fla) and Vern Buchanan (R-Fla), who are great advocates for animal protection, for their leadership and for their initiative that will hopefully close this critical loophole in the law.