US House passes bill to criminalise animal cruelty and torture

The United States House of Representatives has unanimously passed a bill to make certain types of animal cruelty a federal crime on October 22. The bill, Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act (PACT) was passed in order to expand the previously existing law which criminalized the creation and distribution of “obscene” videos of animal abuse, however, it did not prohibit the acts of violence against animals. 

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The 'PACT'

The bipartisan bill introduced by Reps. Ted Deutch and Vern Buchanan in the House will make it a federal felony for “any person to intentionally engage in animal cruelty” including burning, drowning, suffocating, impaling or in any other manner harming “non-mammals, birds, reptiles, and or amphibians”. Furthermore, the law will not interfere with local legislation against animal cruelty. According to both the Reps., the 2010 Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act is “limited in scope” and the PACT would strengthen the law. 

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'Special thanks to all animal lovers': Rep. Ted Deutch

Rep. Ted Deutch expressed “special thanks to all the animal lovers” who contributed to passing the bill and realised that it was the “right” action to take. He further believes that making PACT a law will be a major step to end animal cruelty and abuse. While Congressman, Ver Buchanan also stood firm with his belief of exercising full use of the law to punish those who torture animals. 

Congressman Ted Deutch said "Today’s vote is a significant milestone in the bipartisan quest to end animal abuse and protect our pets. 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..”

“The torture of innocent animals is abhorrent and should be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” Congressman Buchanan said. “Passing the PACT Act sends a strong message that this behavior will not be tolerated. Protecting animals from cruelty is a top priority for me and I will continue to work with Congressman Deutch to get this important bill signed into law”. 

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