Bill approved in the United States making cruelty and mistreatment of animals a federal crime punishable by high fines and imprisonment.
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himBill approved in the United States making cruelty and mistreatment of animals a federal crime punishable by hefty fines and prison. Practically, those who abuse animals in the States, could even see the FBI arrive at their house!
The United States House voted unanimously for the Pact Act (Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture), a great victory for animals and for those who love them, given that the provision considers any form of abuse involving dogs, cats and all other species as protagonists.
The bipartisan act, introduced by Florida lawmakers Ted Deutch and Vern Buchanan, will amend a previous law passed in 2010. Currently there are punishments for those who torture and mistreat animals only when there are "obscene" videos depicting the abuse. The 2010 law, however, incredibly does not prohibit acts of violence against animals themselves.
The Pact Act, on the contrary, yes and moreover it allows not to be bound by state laws but to be able to punish cruelty and mistreatment on animals as federal crimes.
Great satisfaction from those who wanted and strongly supported the measure such as Ted Deutch:
“Today's vote is a milestone in bipartisan research to end animal abuse and protect our pets. This bill sends a clear message that our society does not accept cruelty to animals ”.
We passed the #PACTAct! Thank you to Rep @VernBuchanan & all of the #animalwelfare advocates who helped get us here.
Special thank you to all the animal lovers everywhere who know this is simply the right thing to do.
This is a major step to end animal abuse & #protectourpets. pic.twitter.com/PqlKStwBPX
— Rep. Ted Deutch (@RepTedDeutch) October 22, 2019
Another of the promoters of the bill, E Vern Buchanan, was also very satisfied.
The U.S. House just passed the #PACT Act, legislation that I introduced with my colleague @RepTedDeutch to criminalize animal abuse. This important piece of legislation would make animal cruelty a federal offense. Great news for my fellow animal lovers! pic.twitter.com/fK4qAppXnK
— Rep. Vern Buchanan (@VernBuchanan) October 22, 2019
Once it becomes law, the Pact Act will punish very severely who tortures, abuses or carries out any kind of wickedness against animals. There is talk of hefty fines and up to seven years in prison.
Those who mistreat animals could therefore find themselves grappling with the FBI or other authorized federal agencies to arrest and prosecute those who commit this crime.
Now we expect a quick passage in the Senate and the signature of the President (and we hope that this time Trump does not reserve one of his unpleasant surprises!).
Read also:
- In Australia, a new law recognizes that animals have feelings
- In Australia, a fine of up to 4000 euros if you don't take your dog for a walk. Three years in prison for mistreatment
- France wants to punish by law and increase the penalties for those who abandon their pets
- Animal maltreatment: historic ruling of the Court of Cassation
- Animal abuse: zoomafias, a 3 billion euro business
- Animal abuse: dogs blinded with rising lasers. But the perpetrators risk jail
