[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 75 (Monday, May 24, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1067]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       ANIMAL CRUELTY LEGISLATION

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                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 24, 1999

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, criminals should not profit from illegal 
acts. That is why I introduced H.R. 1887 last week that will ban 
illegal, disgusting acts that are occurring nationwide.
  People around the country are making ``crush videos.'' These videos 
feature women crushing small animals with their feet while wearing 
spiked heals. The videos are sold nationwide to people who enjoy this 
type of so-called ``foot fetish.'' and sellers of the video are making 
millions of dollars.
  The acts of animals cruelty featured in the video are illegal under 
state law. However, according to District Attorney Michael Bradbury of 
Ventura County, California, it is difficult to prosecute these acts 
under state animal cruelty laws. First, a District Attorney must 
identify the individual in the video. This is a difficult task given 
the fact that most of the time, only the actress' legs are shown. 
Second, it is difficult to prove that the act featured in the video 
occurred with in the statue of limitations. Third, local animal cruelty 
laws do not prohibit the production, sale, or possession of the video. 
There are also no federal laws that could be used to prosecute the 
individuals.
  Sick criminals are taking advantage of the loopholes in the local law 
and the lack of federal law on animal cruelty videos. This is a serious 
problem. Thousands of these videos are being sold. Thousands of dollars 
are being made. By not closing these loopholes and allowing this sick 
behavior, we are encouraging people to profit from violating the state 
animal cruelty laws. This must be stopped!
  H.R. 1887 will put a stop to this offensive behavior. This 
legislation is narrowly tailored to prohibit the creation, sale or 
possession of a depiction of animal cruelty in interstate commerce for 
commercial gain. H.R. 1887 does not preempt state laws on animal 
cruelty. Rather, it incorporates the animal cruelty law of the state 
where the offense occurs.
  I urge all of my colleagues to join me in pursuing this legislation 
which will put an end to profiting from these disgusting criminal acts. 
Please contact Wendy Wiseman of my staff at 5-5811 to cosponsor H.R. 
1887.

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