On November 6, 2019, the Senate unanimously passed the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act (PACT), making extreme acts of animal cruelty a federal felony. This bill, which was previously passed by the House and signed into law by President Trump, received broad bipartisan support.
PACT grants the FBI and federal law enforcement agencies the authority to crack down on severe cruelty cases, including animal sexual abuse and other malicious acts.
Rep. Ted Deutch, as quoted by NPR, said, “This bill has received so much bipartisan support because Americans care deeply about animal welfare. We form strong bonds with our pets and are rightfully outraged by animal abuse.”
Offenders under PACT will face felony charges, with possible fines and a maximum sentence of up to seven years in prison.
Because every state is different. What constitutes felony cruelty and the punishment for committing the cruelty in one state may not be the same for another state.
Although all 50 states now have enacted felony penalties for certain forms of animal abuse, there still is no federal ban on animal cruelty and torture. Furthermore, just because an abuser is charged with a felony, it doesn’t mean they are going to get the maximum jail time associated with a felony. Trying to ENFORCE the appropriate “felony” punishment charge can be very difficult. Many courts are underfunded and overwhelmed with cases. Because of this, oftentimes they get plead down to a lower chargeable offense to not have to go to trial; (it saves resources.) Therefore most of these abusers get off with a slap on the wrist-perhaps some community service and a small fine. Before long they are back to abusing animals. The purpose of the petitions is to create pressure on the authorities, prosecuting attorneys, and judges to not follow the lesser offense practice. In all cases, it’s impossible for authorities to ignore the fact of thousands of signatures and comments they have been presented with from a petition. This is the only way we can get people to stop abusing animals. By using our collective voices to enforce the maximum punishment.
Whether it’s a one-time or monthly gift, you will provide the support needed for abused children seeking justice as well as the help needed to raise the bar for animal welfare in the courtroom.
Be their CHAMPION today.
Whether it’s a one-time or monthly gift, you will provide the support needed for abused animals seeking justice as well as the help needed to raise the bar for animal welfare in the courtroom.
Be their CHAMPION today.
Whether it’s a one-time or monthly gift, you will provide the support needed for abused animals seeking justice as well as the help needed to raise the bar for animal welfare in the courtroom.
Be their CHAMPION today.
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