TUCSON – The House of Representatives has unanimously passed a bill that would make animal cruelty a federal felony.
House passes bill that makes animal cruelty a federal felony
The PACT Act, which stands for Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture, was approved by the house on Tuesday.
Horse rescue, Equine Voices Rescue, said this bill is a real victory for the animals.
Currently, federal law only criminalizes animal fighting and those who create videos depicting animal cruelty.
Now, the PACT Act would allow prosecution for crushing, drowning, burning and suffocating animals.
“I run a rescue and every animal that comes here has been abused or tortured or rounded up,” President and Founder of Equine Voices, Karen Pomory said. “They suffered tremendously one way or another.”
The rescue believes this bill will give a voice to the voiceless.
In August, an animal cruelty law went into effect in Arizona, which strengthens penalties for people who abuse domestic animals. The PACT Act must next pass the senate.
Those convicted would face federal felony charges, fines, and up to seven years in prison.
