[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 108 (Wednesday, July 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1389-E1390]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  PREVENTION OF INTERSTATE COMMERCE IN ANIMAL CRUSH VIDEOS ACT OF 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 20, 2010

  Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5566, 
the Prevention of Interstate Commerce in Animal Crush Videos Act of 
2010. This bill will ban the sale and distribution of so-called animal 
crush videos. In reality, they are shocking displays of animal cruelty.
  This bill was introduced in response to the Supreme Court's decision 
in U.S. v. Stevens to strike down a previous law that banned these 
videos, as unconstitutional. The sponsor of the new bill, Congressman 
Gallegly, worked with law and constitutional scholars to ensure that 
this bill is narrowly tailored to be able to survive strict First 
Amendment scrutiny while still banning the sale and distribution of 
these horrific videos.
  Additionally, for the opponents out there who incorrectly object to 
the bill on the grounds that it may restrict hunting and fishing 
rights, the bill clarifies that depictions of hunting, fishing, 
trapping and common animal husbandry practices are exempt.
  As many of my colleagues know, I have had a lifelong love and 
compassion for animals of all kinds. That is why I am simply shocked at 
the cruelty exhibited in these videos. What upsets me more is that 
there is an audience out there that enjoys the brutality depicted in 
these videos.
  I supported the original legislation that banned the depiction of 
animal cruelty in the 106th Congress. Today I want to strongly add my 
support to H.R. 5566, the Prevention of Interstate Commerce in Animal 
Crush Videos Act of 2010.
  Mr. Speaker, it is past time that this inhumane and cruel practice is 
once and for all put to an end.

[[Page E1390]]



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