On Tuesday, November 5th, the senate unanimously passed The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture act. Florida representatives Vern Buchanan and Ted Deutch introduced the law to senate in hopes of broadening the existing animal cruelty federal law.

As of 2010, only animal fighting and videotaping of cruelty were prohibited by federal law and each state had their own rendition of cruelty laws. 

With the PACT act, revisions expand prosecution to any form of life-threatening bodily harm toward an animal — crushing, burning, drowning, impaling or sexually exploiting. 

With knowledge that animal cruelty holds strong indication of pathological deviance, it is agreed that the law was not only necessary for the well being of creatures that cannot speak up for themselves, but for the prevention of harm to humans as a following stride

¨We know by now that animal cruelty is an indicator of social pathology and those who commit crimes against humans often start out by hurting animals. It is a pattern of violence that is both common and well-documented, and it adds to the urgency of passing this common sense law,” say both Kitty Block and Sara Amundson, chief executive and legislative president of the Humane society.

¨This bill sends a clear message that our society does not accept cruelty against animals… Animal rights activists have stood up for living things that do not have a voice. Law enforcement officers have sought a federal overlay to help them stop animal abusers who are likely to commit acts of violence against people,̈ states Deutch.

 The bill is now awaiting the approval of President Trump.