A new bill, known as the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act, has been proposed, that would make animal cruelty a felony offense under federal law. The law aims to punish “malicious acts of animal cruelty” to the fullest extent.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Convicts are looking at up to $5000 in fines and 7 years prison time, if the law is passed. This common-sense policy aims to criminalize “crushing, burning, drowning, suffocating and impaling animals” and also bestiality and sexual exploitation of animals.
However, exceptions will be made for hunting, veterinary care, slaughter for food, sporting activities, pest control, medical research, euthanasia, and actions necessary to protect life or property from a serious threat from an animal.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
A previous law was passed in 2010 to outlaw the production and distribution of gruesome videos of animal abuse. The PACT bill is expected to receive support from the members, who in turn remain optimistic about its chances of passing. We feel it is about time lawmakers stepped up to protect these innocent animals.
Check out the video below to learn more about the proposed PACT Act.
