Representative Dave Joyce, whose district includes part of Trumbull County, has joined three other members of Congress to reintroduce the Animal Cruelty Enforcement (ACE) Act.  The bipartisan legislation is designed to ensure better protection of animals and keep our communities safe.

The bill would establish a dedicated Animal Cruelty Crimes Section at the Department of Justice to aid in investigating, enforcing,  and prosecuting animal cruelty crimes.

Studies repeatedly show that there is a close link between animal cruelty and violence toward people. A news release from Joyce says that by bringing charges against perpetrators of animal cruelty crimes, individuals with a propensity for violence could be prevented from further harming animals or turning that violence against people.

While all 50 states currently have laws in place to prohibit animal cruelty, the Department of Justice enforcement of the laws continues to see lengthy delays, with many federal crimes going unprosecuted, according to Joyce.

A dedicated division at the Department of Justice, provided through the Animal Cruelty Enforcement Act, would facilitate stronger enforcement of animal cruelty laws by providing specialized knowledge and a streamlined process for handling these offenses, according to a news release issued by Joyce.