Toomey Bill Targeting Heinous Forms of Animal Abuse Clears Senate

Press Release

Last week, the Senate unanimously agreed to Sen. Pat Toomey's (R-Pa.) bipartisan bill, the Prevent Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act. The PACT Act would outlaw a heinous form of animal abuse known as "crushing," where deranged individuals maim and torture animals.

Despite taking steps in 2010 to ban the sale of videos depicting animal crushing, Congress failed to make the underlying act of crushing a federal crime. This means that -- even when there is overwhelming evidence that torture is taking place -- federal law enforcement is unable to protect animals from abuse or even arrest known abusers. The PACT Act would ensure that individuals found guilty of torturing animals face felony charges, fines, and up to seven years in prison.

"There is absolutely no place for the crushing of animals in our society," said Sen. Toomey. "It is blatantly inhumane and astonishingly cruel. I can't believe this isn't already the law. This abhorrent practice must end, and I am glad the Senate finally took the first step towards that goal. While it is disappointing that my colleagues across the aisle delayed passage of this measure until after the House of Representatives adjourned for the year, I remain hopeful that this bill will finally get enacted into law next Congress."

On two separate occasions, Senate Republicans attempted to pass the PACT Act by unanimous consent but were blocked by their Senate Democratic colleagues. Unfortunately, by the time the Senate finally passed this legislation, the House of Representatives had adjourned for the year and therefore the bill will need to be re-introduced next Congress.

The PACT Act is endorsed by the Humane Society of the United States, National Sheriffs' Association, Fraternal Order of Police, Major County Sheriffs' Association, Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, and the Major Cities Chiefs Association.

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