Trump Signs PACT Act, Making Animal Cruelty a Federal Crime

Animal cruelty is now a federal crime in the United States of America!

Signed into law on Monday by President Donald Trump, the bipartisan bill, "Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act," (PACT) legally protects all non-human mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians from abuse. The law defines abuse as "crushing, burning, drowning, suffocating, impaling and other bodily injury."

"Passing this legislation is a major victory in the effort to stop animal cruelty and make our communities safer," Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., said earlier this month when the bill passed in the Senate. "Evidence shows that the deranged individuals who harm animals often move on to committing acts of violence against people. It is appropriate that the federal government have strong animal cruelty laws and penalties."

Trump approved the law just hours after he hosted a White House ceremony honoring Conan, a hero dog credited with helping the military bring down ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

Violators will now face either criminal penalties, up to seven years in prison, or both.

"It's very fitting that it was on the same day," Trump said while putting his signature on the bill.

Get all of the details on ABC News.


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