Jail sentences for animal cruelty could rise from six months to FIVE YEARS under new laws going before Parliament
- 70 per cent of Britons supported tougher prison sentences for animal abusers
- Proposed law will see increase from current maximum sentence of six months
- Courts will be able to take a tougher approach to cases such as dog fighting, abuse of puppies and kittens, or gross neglect of farm animals
Jail sentences for animal cruelty could rise to five years under new legislation going before Parliament today.
The proposed law includes a significant increase from the current maximum sentence of six months.
It follows a public consultation last year, in which more than 70 per cent of Britons supported tougher prison sentences for those who abuse animals.
A pig encased in an iron cage in a farm (stock)
It means the courts will be able to take a tougher approach to cases such as dog fighting, abuse of puppies and kittens, or gross neglect of farm animals. Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: ‘There is no place in this country for animal cruelty. Our new Bill sends a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated, with the maximum five-year sentence one of the toughest punishments in Europe.’
There have been a number of recent cases where the courts said they would have handed down longer sentences had they been available.
Claire Horton of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home said: ‘Today’s announcement should prevent the suffering of many animals.’
Adorable fluffy grey kitten walking on the road (stock)