NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Being cruel to animals is now a federal crime. President Donald Trump signed "The PACT Act" Monday, which stands for preventing animal cruelty and torture act.
Under the the PACT Act, abusive behavior toward animals, including drowning, suffocating, and burning, is a federal crime. Abusers can face a fine, prison term of up to seven years, or both.
"I was very very pleased and encouraged, I hope our legislature will follow suit and toughen our animal cruelty laws as well," said Assistant District Attorney General Laney Cuthbertson.
Cuthbertson has always pushed for tougher sentences on animal abusers. She says our state laws aren't necessarily as strict but this act could be a game changer. For example, issues in the horse racing industry.
"I'm hoping what it will do is put pressure on our legislature to bring our laws with the rest of the country," said Cuthbertson, "It is only a misdemeanor here to abuse walking horses but under the federal law it would be a felony. I'm hoping they would change that and make it a felony here too."
This also addresses hoarding cases. Ashley Harrington with Metro Animal Care and Control says this act could be very helpful when it comes to prosecuting against hoarders and puppy mill owners.
"It could raise charges and raise them higher than they were so has potential to do a lot of good," said Harrington, field supervisor.
The PACT act passed the House and Senate with bipartisan support.
