WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has signed into law Sens. Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) and Richard Blumenthal’s (D-Conn.) bipartisan Prevent Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act — landmark legislation that outlaws a heinous form of animal abuse known as “crushing,” where deranged individuals maim and torture animals.
“Enacting this legislation into law is a major victory in the effort to protect animals from abuse,” said Toomey. “I am pleased President Trump signed the PACT Act into law so that the federal government can charge and prosecute those who torture animals. Getting this legislation across the finish line would not have been possible without Senator Blumenthal’s partnership and tremendous support from numerous animal advocate organizations for nearly five years.”
Blumenthal said he was grateful to see the act signed into law.
“The barbaric torture of animals has no place in a civilized society and should be a crime — and thanks to this new law, now it is,” he said. “Senator Toomey and I worked together for years to ensure that this kind of despicable torture of animals is forbidden for good. I’m thankful for Senator Toomey’s partnership, our colleagues in Congress, and the tireless work of animal welfare advocates in seeing this bill over the finish line.”
The U.S. Senate passed the PACT Act unanimously on Nov. 5, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed it on Oct. 23, 2019.
Despite taking steps in 2010 to ban the sale of videos depicting animal crushing, Congress failed to make the underlying act of crushing a federal crime. This means that — even when there is overwhelming evidence that torture is taking place — federal law enforcement is unable to protect animals from abuse or even arrest known abusers. The PACT Act is the first federal legislation of its kind and would ensure that individuals found guilty of torturing animals face felony charges, fines, and up to seven years in prison.
The PACT Act is endorsed by the Humane Society of the United States, Animal Wellness Action, National Sheriffs’ Association, Fraternal Order of Police, and the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.
