Is this really a free speech issue?

Supreme Court to weigh depictions of animal cruelty
In a case that pits free-speech defenders against animal rights activists, the justices will consider whether the 1st Amendment should protect depictions of animals being hurt.

Is it against the law to abuse animals? If it is, then that is the only issue that needs litigating. Sure, the video makers are natural born crud, but the legal system should be going after the perpetrators of the animal abuse. The videos should be clear evidence of the criminal behavior. And as evidence, each copy can be impounded until the perps are brought to justice. Do we need the Supreme Court to figure that out?