President Trump Signs Bill Making Animal Cruelty A Federal Crime

The Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act makes animal cruelty a federal crime, expanding on a 2010 law that only targeted the creation and sale of videos depicting animal cruelty. The new law, supported by Congress and over 100 law enforcement agencies, closes previous loopholes by penalizing the acts of cruelty themselves. Offenders face fines and up to seven years in prison. Animal welfare activists and law enforcement agencies support the law, noting the link between animal abuse and violent crimes against humans.

Why do animal welfare activists support the new anti-cruelty law?

What connection do law enforcement agencies see between animal abuse and other violent crimes?