Congressman Panetta votes in support of making animal abuse a federal offense

Many animal advocates and pet owners are rejoicing this morning, as Congressman Jimmy Panetta voted in support of the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act of 2019, H.R. 724, to criminalize certain acts of animal cruelty.

The legislation unanimously passed the U.S. House of Representatives last night.

This paves the way for the first ever federal animal cruelty law. The bill calls for up to seven years in prison for animal abuse.

In 2010, Congress passed the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act, which made the creation and distribution of animal crushing videos illegal. However, the underlying acts of cruelty against animals were not included. The PACT Act closes this loophole by prohibiting certain cases of animal abuse. A fact sheet for the PACT Act can be found here.

“Those who knowingly commit acts of animal cruelty must be subject to criminal penalty,” said Congressman Panetta. “The bipartisan Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act is common-sense policy that provides law enforcement additional authorities to combat animal cruelty.”

The bill now goes to the Senate, where many expect a quick passage.

It will then go to the desk of President Donald Trump.