Paws Up! To Congressmen Buchanan and Deutch (FL) for introducing the PACT Act, which would impose federal felony charges for animal abuse, including up to seven years in prison.
February 7, 2019
Two Florida Congressmen, Rep. Vern Buchanan and Rep. Ted Deutch, have introduced a bill that would finally enable federal agents to enforce animal cruelty laws above the state level. The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act, or “The PACT Act,” which was introduced in the House of Representatives at the end of January, would criminalize any act that intentionally causes serious harm to an animal. Perpetrators could face federal felony charges, fines, and up to seven years in prison if convicted.
While all fifty states have their own animal cruelty laws, no federal law has ever been passed. This new federal law would help prosecutors charge and convict animal abusers who cross state lines. Also, federal law enforcement officials will be better able to recognize and monitor patterns of abuse, as studies show that most animal abusers have harmed or will harm humans as well.
Take Action: Contact your representatives and implore them to support the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act so that animal abuse can be stopped at the federal level. Better protections for animals will make better lives for animals in the future!