× Thanks for reading! Log in to continue. Enjoy more articles by logging in or creating a free account. No credit card required. Log in Sign up {{featured_button_text}}

We so often hear of the dysfunction created by polarized and feuding politicians, that when we learn of a truly good piece of legislation produced by bipartisan efforts, we think it deserves to be discussed.

Last week, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., joined Sens. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., and Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., in introducing the Prevent Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) Act. The legislation seeks to outlaw the practice of “crushing” animals.

Crushing is a depraved act of torturing small animals such as kittens, mice and puppies. Although it can be performed many ways, videos of the act circulating on the internet often show women in high heels stepping on live animals. Other crush videos have shown the defenseless creatures being burned alive or nailed to a floor.

These videos are sold online. Apparently there’s a market for such sickness. Although Congress took steps in 2010 to ban the sale of those videos, the legislation did not make the actual act of torture a federal crime. Federal law enforcement officials’ hands have been tied when it comes to protecting the abused animals or arresting the abusers.