AVMA applauds legislation to address animal abuse
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) President Dr. John Howe released the following statement in response to today's vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to advance the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act (H.R. 724/S. 479). This legislation would outlaw the inhumane act of animal crushing, which is currently often performed and filmed for profit. Next, the bill will head to the Senate for consideration.
"Today's passage of the PACT Act is an important step toward improving animal welfare by criminalizing the cruel and inhumane act of animal crushing. This legislation also provides key safeguards to ensure enforcement correctly targets bad actors without incidentally ensnaring farmers and ranchers, hunters, researchers, or other groups. AVMA looks forward to working with the Senate to advance this bill."
The AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, speaking for more than 105,000 member veterinarians across the United States who care passionately about protecting animal health, animal welfare and human health. Informed by its members' unique scientific training and knowledge, the AVMA advocates for policies that advance the practice of veterinary medicine and support the crucial work of veterinarians nationwide.