‘Seismic' day for welfare with new sentencing

A law increasing the maximum prison term for animal cruelty to five years has finally passed through parliament

- BECKY MURRAY

THE passing of a law increasing the maximum sentence for the worst cases of animal abuse has been hailed a “seismic day” for animal welfare.

Following years of campaigning, the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill passed its final reading at parliament and received royal assent on 29 April. This means courts will have the power to impose sentences of up to five years’ prison for animal abusers, an increase from six months. The law will bring England and Wales – once the Welsh government passes a legislative consent motion – into line with Scotland and Northern Ireland.