Back in 2019, President Donald Trump signed into law a bill that made animal cruelty a federal felony. The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act included penalties for the crime ranging from fines to up to seven years in prison or both.

But PACT, it seems, was lacking teeth. U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Ohio, has his heart in the right place in once again introducing legislation that would require the U.S. Department of Justice to establish an animal cruelty crimes section. The legislation also directs the DOJ to better coordinate with other federal agencies on animal cruelty.

“As a lifelong pet owner who considers our dog, Sam, part of the family, I am devastated by the prevalence of animal cruelty in our communities,” said Joyce. “We must hold these criminals who commit these crimes of animal cruelty accountable and ensure our beloved pets are protected to the fullest extent.”

Joyce’s bill has bipartisan support — two Democrats and another Republican are signed on as co-sponsors. That’s good, and we urge Congress to move on this quickly.