The RSPCA says it is thrilled that the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill has passed its committee stage this week.
Now the animal welfare charity – which has been calling for tougher sentencing for the worst animal abusers for years – hopes that MPs from across the parties will come together to pass the Bill for the good of animals across England.
The Bill – brought forward by Chris Loder MP – was debated by MPs yesterday (February 3) and passed its latest stage to become law. Next, it will go to the Report Stage and Third Reading before heading to the House of Lords.
In 2017, the UK Government pledged to reform the maximum sentence for those prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act in England, increasing maximum prison terms from six months to five years. The pledge was supported by cross-party politicians.
England and Wales currently have some of the lowest sentences for animal welfare offences in the world. Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland have recently increased their maximum sentences to five years and the RSPCA wants to see the sentences here brought in line.
Heidi Allen, RSPCA director of advocacy and policy, said: “We warmly welcome the news that the Bill has passed through this stage and is one step closer to becoming law. We believe all political parties are aligned in their desire to get the Bill on to the statute book in this parliamentary session – in other words before the next Queen’s Speech which is expected in May. Because MPs and Peers agree with us that no suffering animal can afford to wait another minute.
“Every day the RSPCA receives reports of unimaginable cruelty and neglect being inflicted on animals and it’s time that the sentences imposed on individuals who cause pain and suffering to animals reflect the severity of the crimes they are committing.
“The current sentences available to courts dealing with abhorrent acts of violence against animals as well as serious, organised animal crime are completely inadequate. It’s time this changed and our courts had more power when it comes to sentencing the perpetrators of these hideous crimes. So we implore all MPs, Peers and the Government to do everything they can to get Chris Loder’s Bill through.”
