“Crushing defenseless animals is barbaric, disgusting, and wrong. There is no place for it in our society,” said Senator Toomey. “I call on my colleagues to join me in ending this horrific practice once and for all. Let’s get it passed in both chambers and send it to the president for his signature.”

“Our bipartisan bill banning the inhumane practice of animal crushing makes clear once and for all that there is no place in a civilized society for the maiming and torturing of animals,” said Senator Blumenthal. “The barbaric individuals who commit these crimes should be held accountable for their heinous acts. This bill should be swiftly approved by both houses of Congress and signed into law.”

“Decades ago, FBI profilers established that individuals who viciously target innocent animals also present the threat of escalated violence against humans, but federal law enforcement needs the tools to stop some of the most violent cruelty. Congress can change this by passing the PACT Act,” said Sara Amundson, president of the Humane Society Legislative Fund. “We thank Senators Toomey and Blumenthal for introducing legislation to finally fill this gap in the law and their continued efforts to protect our communities.”

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 animal abuse is taking place — federal law enforcement is unable to protect animals or 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. The PACT Act passed the Senate with unanimous support in 2017, but stalled in the U.S. House.

The PACT Act is endorsed by the Humane Society of the United States, National Sheriffs’ Association, Fraternal Order of Police, and the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.