A new law will ensure animal abusers are jailed for up to 5 years and animal sentience is reflected in domestic law, under plans published by the Environment Secretary today.
The Government has published a draft bill which would increase the maximum prison sentence for animal cruelty tenfold, from six months to five years, in England and Wales. The draft bill also sets out that the government “must have regard to the welfare needs of animals as sentient beings in formulating and implementing government policy”. Subject to consultation on the draft bill, the government will legislate to deliver both aims.
The plans underline the government’s commitment to raising animal welfare standards, ensuring there will be enhanced protections for animals as we leave the EU.
Our new draft Bill will mean:
- Recognising and enshrining animal sentience in domestic UK law;
- Increasing the maximum prison sentence for animal cruelty tenfold, from six months to five years;
- Courts retaining the ability to hand out unlimited fines and ban offenders from owning animals in future.
The RSPCA have said: “To include the recognition of animal sentience, as well as increasing animal cruelty sentencing to 5 years into the new 2018 Animal Welfare Bill, is a very bold and welcome move by the Government.”
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home say: “Battersea is greatly encouraged by the Governments willingness to see sentences for the most shocking cases of animal cruelty increase from 6 months to 5 years and today's announcement takes a significant step in that direction.”
Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/environment-secretary-publishes-bill-to-strengthen-animal-welfare
