He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him
President Trump signed the bill known as Pact Act, effectively making animal cruelty a federal crime.
The Preventioning Animal Cruelty and Torture Act, or Pact Act, prohibits cruel behavior and abuse of animals of all kinds, regardless of the species they belong to.
The bill was introduced in January by Florida Democratic Congressman Ted Deutch and his Republican colleague, Vern Buchanan, so there was the bipartisan will to end animal cruelty making this a federal crime and therefore even punishable by the FBI like the most heinous crimes.
The provision expands a 2010 law signed by President Barack Obama that banned videos showing torture on animals but which, paradoxically, did not prohibit acts of violence against animals.
In October, the United States House voted unanimously to make the Pact Act operational and, following the approval of the Senate, yesterday it was Trump's turn to formalize the law.
"It is important to combat these heinous and sadistic acts of cruelty, which are totally unacceptable in a civilized society," Trump said at the signing ceremony.
The importance of this law was explained by Chris Schindler, of Humane Rescue Alliance, an association that deals with the protection of animals:
“Our officials investigate thousands of cases of animal cruelty every year, but have not been able to bring justice to animals in cases where cruelty occurs in multiple jurisdictions. The Pact Act is a necessary tool for us to provide additional protection for animals and ensure that some of the most horrific acts of cruelty are prosecuted to the fullest extent permitted by law. "
Those who transgress this new legislation will now face criminal penalties that include a hefty fine and a prison sentence of up to seven years.
Those who abuse animals could therefore find themselves dealing with the FBI or other federal agencies, now authorized to prosecute this crime as well.
Read also:
- Cruelty and mistreatment on animals become federal crimes: in the US the Pact Act passes to the chamber
- 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
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