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 — or those in charge of giving it teeth lacked a sense of urgency.

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Ohio 14th, has his heart in the right place, once again introducing legislation requiring the U.S. Department of Justice to establish an animal cruelty crimes section and “to vigorously pursue investigations and prosecutions” of federal laws prohibiting animal cruelty. 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 bi-partisan support — two Democrats and another Republican are signed on as co-sponsors. It is mind-boggling Joyce’s previous efforts to introduce similar legislation have garnered not even enough interest to gain committee hearings. After all, the idea is to improve “the federal government’s ability to crack down on animal cruelty and hold perpetrators accountable in a timely, efficient manner.”

And, as Joyce rightly notes, stopping those who commit crimes against animals often means law enforcement is getting a person off the streets with a higher chance to commit crimes against humans.

Despite Trump’s support of PACT in 2019, members of Congress ignored Joyce’s efforts in 2021 and 2024. They must not do so this time. Otherwise, any lip service they pay to efforts against animal cruelty will be all bark and no bite.