Success: Animal Cruelty To Become Federal Crime

Target: Ted Deutch, U.S. Congressmen

Goal: Support the imminent criminalization of animal cruelty nationwide.

For too long, punishments for animal cruelty have been a patchwork of state penalties with varying degrees of severity. As animals suffered needlessly and died, their abusers often skated with little or no consequence. This ForceChange petition helped lead the charge in demanding stronger nationwide action against animal cruelty. In a rare moment of bipartisanship, America’s leaders listened and acted.

The U.S. Senate followed the lead of the House of Representatives in unanimously approving the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act. With the president’s expected signature, this years-long effort will finally become law. The PACT Act underscores and enhances the Animal Crush Video Prohibition Act: an already-passed bill that criminalizes video recordings of animal cruelty. The new law will for the first time make acts of animal cruelty themselves federal crimes subject to much stronger federal penalties. The bill goes far beyond other laws that only cover very limited instances of cruelty.  As one co-sponsor put it, the passage of such a precedent-setting act represents “a milestone for pet owners and animal lovers across the country.”

Sign the petition below to thank one of the lawmakers instrumental in making this landmark win for animal welfare possible.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Representative Deutch,

“This bill has received so much bipartisan support because Americans care about animal welfare,” Your words rang true and were a validation of the PACT Act legislation you co-sponsored and championed. Congratulations on achieving this needed, important victory.

When the PACT Act officially becomes law, millions of animals will receive protections they have never previously possessed. Millions more cruel abusers will finally face just punishment for their horrendous crimes. More so, the police officers who have widely endorsed this effort will have another important means of tracking and preventing potential dangers. Most of all, this nation will at last have a template that affirms the right of all living beings to enjoy a life free from pain and suffering.

Thank you, and please keep fighting for animal welfare causes across America.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Daisy Parker