House Lawmakers Pass Bill Making Animal Cruelty a Felony

House lawmakers have passed a bill that makes animal cruelty a federal felony.

It’s called the “Pact Act,” and it specifically bans crushing, burning, drowning and impaling animals, among other things. It would also allow officials to go after suspected animal abusers who cross state lines.

According to its co-sponsor, Republican Congressman Vern Buchanan, it would also close a big loophole. His office said the bill would specifically ban animal cruelty recorded on video. Previous laws have de-legalized creating and selling those videos, but not the acts of cruelty in them.

Another co-sponsor of the bill, Democrat Ted Deutch, said the legislation sends a clear message that our society does not accept animal cruelty.

Violations of the bill could lead to prison for up to seven years.