President Trump signs the PACT Act
In a victory for animal welfare advocates nationwide, President Trump signed into law the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act on November 25, 2019. This new legislation builds on a 2010 law that banned animal “crushing” videos, adding federal, criminal penalties for the creation of any video that portrays these heinous acts. Any person violating the ban on crushing videos could now be subject to fines and up to seven years in prison.
While every state has animal protection laws that protect against cruelty to animals, federal action was needed due to the challenges of enforcing local laws on videos disseminated over the internet.
The legislation had broad bipartisan and community support, including that of the Humane Society of the United States, the National Sheriffs Association and the Fraternal Order of Police. The Dumb Friends League is dedicated to ending animal suffering and is encouraged by measures like the PACT Act, which will help prevent animal cruelty across the country.
About the Pawlicy Post:
One of the ways the Dumb Friends League can fulfill its mission to end pet homelessness and animal suffering is to advocate for policies and laws that protect animals and enhance their welfare. To help accomplish that directive, Ali Mickelson has joined the League as a public affairs advisor.
Ali will be working to build relationships with the public, keep internal and external stakeholders informed on issues that may affect them and help the League be more effective in guiding public policy. The League now has a higher capacity and ability to make systemic changes and impact the animal welfare community locally and statewide, as well as continue to make a difference within our shelters.
Ali joins us after working in public policy and government affairs for the last decade. She will be writing periodic updates on local, state and national animal welfare policies and progress – or pawgress. Look for her updates on the legislative session beginning early next year.