Following a series of Congressional laws put in place to fortify the federal legal framework against the malicious mistreatment of animals, the Animal Cruelty Enforcement (ACE) Act, H.R.1016, has been introduced by U.S. Reps. Joe Neguse (D-CO), David Joyce (R-OH), and Steve Cohen (D-TN). 

​If passed into federal law, the ACE Act would establish a dedicated Animal Cruelty Crimes division within the U.S. Department of Justice to increase the investigation, enforcement, and prosecution of felony animal cruelty crimes. Federal statutes that would fall under the jurisdiction of the division include the Animal Fighting Venture Prohibition Act, the Horse Protection Act, and the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act.

JUSTICE FOR ANIMALS THROUGH THE DOJ

Society and our U.S. lawmakers have made it explicitly clear that egregious acts of animal cruelty—including dogfighting, cockfighting, intentional torture, and bestiality, will not be tolerated in the USA and perpetrators of such crimes need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Unfortunately, enforcement of our federal animal protection laws continue to see lengthy delays, with many crimes going unprosecuted completely. According to the DOJ's own records, between 2015 and 2019, less than 200 defendants were charged, convicted or sentenced for animal welfare offenses.

LINK TO OTHER CRIMES

The direct link between animal cruelty and violence toward people is now widely recognized. By bringing charges against perpetrators of animal cruelty crimes, it assists with preventing individuals with a propensity for violence from further harming animals or turning that violence against humans.

​Many crimes, such as organized dogfighting and cockfighting operations, are almost always associated with other forms of criminal activity which range from gambling, drug trafficking, weapons possession, homicide, and gang activity. ​The ACE Act is a law and order bill that will help protect animals and help keep our communities safe from violent offenders. 

​​𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗣 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 ACE ACT

The Animal Cruelty Enforcement (ACE) Act, is a common-sense bill that animal advocates, domestic violence workers, law enforcement, and the average U.S. citizen can agree is the right policy for the United States.

​Please reach out to your U.S. Representative and urge them to cosponsor this crucial legislation.

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