The PACT (Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture) Act was passed unanimously in the US House of Representatives this week.

This act would expand on a prior law that criminalizes the production and distribution of animal torture videos.  Passage of the PACT Act would criminalize acts of animal torture at the federal level as well.

Representatives Ted Deutch (D-Fla.) and Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.) sponsored the bill, which states that any person who intentionally engages in animal cruelty would face federal charges.

A similar bill was introduced in the Senate in February.  If the Senate passes the bill and the PACT Act becomes law, convicted individuals will face fines and up to 7 years in prison.

Check out this fact sheet on the PACT Act from Congressman Deutch to learn more.