Good news! Animal cruelty is now a federal felony in the United States. The bill was signed by President Donald Trump last November 2019, supported by all animal activists and pet lovers in the country.
The police, FBI, and other law enforcement previously prosecuted people who commit animal cruelty caught on video. Filming animals being abused was a crime; however, the deed itself wasn’t penalized.
Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act, or the PACT Act punishes anyone who commits animal cruelty. It includes intentionally hurting, burning, suffocating, and stabbing live animals. Sexually exploiting animals is also considered a crime in all states.
Anyone who is found guilty of these crimes will be facing fines and will be imprisoned for up to seven years. The bill was unanimously passed by the Congress and the Senate.
Animal advocates and representatives from all over the country have attended the bill signing at the President’s office. “This act is a reflection of American values. All animals should be given the protection that they deserve,” Kitty Block, CEO of the Humane Society, mentioned.
“For a long time, animal activists and pet lovers have dreamt of this to happen. Now, it has become a reality,” Kitty added in her statement.
The head of the Human Society Fund, Sara Amundson, also released a statement about this bill. “This is a day to celebrate. The congress has come together to make animal cruelty as a federal felony.”
“After years of working to save and protect animals and being a witness to some abuse, it is an honor to witness our country take a stand against animal cruelty. We may not change the past, but we can prevent it from happening moving forward,” Sara mentioned.
For the longest time, animal advocates have been doing all the work to raise awareness and prevent animal abuse. Now, these animals can live in peace as the law now protects them. Watch the bill signing in the video below.
Video credit: Youtube CBS News