Supporters of the new law that makes animal cruelty a federal crime say the legislation will fill crucial gaps in national law.

President Donald Trump backed animal rights groups Monday, signing the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture (PACT) into law. Supporters of the law say until this week, it was hard to prosecute cases that span different states or jurisdiction.

The law will further protect animals from more common forms of animal abuse like impalement, drowning, burning and suffocation. It builds upon a 2010 law that banned animal fighting and the making and sharing videos of abuse. Violators could result in a fine and up to seven years in prison.

Jennifer Angelucci, with Paws Crossed Animal Rescue in Elmsford, says they've seen horrific cases come through their doors -- animals malnourished, underweight, brutally hurt or ill. She says this legislation ensures no one is left unaccountable again.

"It lets us all breathe a sigh of relief knowing ... we put so much work into finding the perfect forever home for our pets, and that there's an extra step in there where they're prosecuted. We know our pets are going to be a little bit more safe," says Angelucci.