TOUGHER prison sentences for animal cruelty have been welcomed by the MP for Redditch Rachel Maclean.
After the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill received Royal Assent on April 19, the maximum prison sentence for animal cruelty will be raised from six months to five years from June 29, 2021.
The new maximum penalty will enable courts to take a firmer approach to cases such as dog fighting, abuse of puppies and kittens, illegally cropping a dog’s ears and gross neglect of farm animals.
As well as a prison sentence, offenders could also receive an unlimited fine.
“These tougher sentences send a clear signal that animal cruelty is unacceptable,” said Mrs Maclean.
“As a dog owner myself, I’ll never understand how anyone could abuse animals, but anyone who does commit such a heinous crime will face a new maximum prison sentence of five years.
“I’m grateful to my colleague Chris Loder MP and all animal welfare groups for making this possible.”
