[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11750]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           INTRODUCTION OF THE FARM ANIMALS ANTI-CRUELTY ACT

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                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 5, 2008

  Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, Mr. Shays and I are pleased to 
introduce today the Farm Animals Anti-Cruelty Act.
  This bill would make it a Federal offense to, without justification, 
kill, mutilate, disfigure, torture or intentionally inflict pain or 
suffering upon an animal raised for food, or to fail to provide food, 
water and shelter.
  By making these acts a Federal offense, this bill provides a powerful 
disincentive and punishment for unjustified or intentional cruelty. The 
ability to bring a Federal prosecution is a strong deterrent. Finally, 
this bill articulates a powerful message in expressing the national 
importance we place on the treatment of farm animals.
  The Farm Animals Anti-Cruelty Act is a commonsense approach to 
combating animal cruelty on farms. It complements State anti-cruelty 
statutes and provides a national anti-cruelty standard in those States 
that do not currently provide standards.
  This bill is just one step, but an important step, in addressing how 
our society treats farm animals raised for food, and it reflects our 
core values of compassion, decency and mercy.

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