It is going to get bitterly cold in Topeka the next few days. Which means you should take the necessary precautions to keep yourself safe. You should also think of your pets just as much. Unfortunately, people will leave their pets outside during this weather, and that could be considered animal cruelty. Lawmakers in Washington D.C. are now introducing a bill that would make animal cruelty a federal offense.

According to CNN:

“Two lawmakers — a Democrat and a Republican — have proposed a bill that will make animal cruelty a federal felony. Congressman Ted Deutch and Vern Buchanan, both from Florida, think the PACT Act will close a gap that’s existed for years”

One of the main outcomes of this bill is to be able to punish anyone who is abusing animals across state lines. Right now, all states have laws against animal cruelty, but authorities can’t go after the people who are doing wrong. If the bill passes, anyone can find the wrongdoers in any state. It would also make it a federal offense if the act is being done on federal property.

Another loophole that will be taken care of is convicting the person doing the crime if it was only on video. It would also make the penalty a felony and anyone abusing animals would go to jail for up to 7 years.

This is something that is a long time coming. As an avid pet lover, no animal should ever have to endure any torture or pain. Some think the penalty should be more.

What do you think?