Campaign reply - Animal Cruelty Sentencing

A number of constituents have contacted me regarding animal welfare and cruelty sentencing.

There is no place in this country for animal cruelty, and we must ensure that those who abuse animals are met with the full force of the law. I am therefore pleased that the Government remains committed to reintroducing a Bill to the House of Commons which will increase maximum sentences for animal cruelty from six months to five years’ imprisonment.

I believe that this increase in sentencing will send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated. The maximum five-year sentence will become one of the toughest punishments in Europe, strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader on animal welfare.

I am aware that a public consultation found 70 per cent of people supported the proposals for tougher prison sentences. I am encouraged that the planned change in law 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.

These increased maximum sentences will act as a serious deterrent against cruelty and gross neglect in the future, and builds on recent positive action to protect animals, including plans to ban third party puppy and kitten sales and banning the use of wild animals in circuses.

I am pleased that recent legislation passed in Parliament saw Finn’s Law offer stronger protection for the many brave service animals that help to protect us and will be meeting Finn shortly.

As an animal lover and a dog-owner it was great to visit the Generation Kind event in Parliament recently to find out more about the excellent work of the RSPCA, both nationally and in Truro and Falmouth. I was pleased to hear about the three focuses of the campaign: working with schools to teach young people about the importance of animal welfare, offering young people from
disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to engage with animals, and expanding their work to rehabilitate young offenders. I have asked to join an RSPCA Inspector for a day in Cornwall to see first-hand the issues they face and look forward to working with the RSPCA in the future on this campaign and many more. Teaching children about the importance of caring for animals and tougher sentencing for those who engage in despicable acts of cruelty will continue to be a priority for this Government. We must all send the clear message that cruelty and neglect will not be tolerated.