Animal abusers to face up to five years in prison for cruelty charges

Animal abusers could face five years in prison for cruelty charges under new legislation. 

The bill, introduced by environment secretary Michael Gove, will increase the maximum sentence for animal cruelty crimes, which is currently six months. 

The harshest punishments will be for cruelty including dog fighting, abuse of puppies and kittens, or gross neglect of farm animals.

The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill will bring in the toughest punishment in Europe and strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader on animal welfare, Mr Gove said. 

“There is no place in this country for animal cruelty,” he said.

“That is why I want to make sure that those who abuse animals are met with the full force of the law.

“Our new Bill sends a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated, with the maximum five-year sentence one of the toughest punishments in Europe.

“I am committed to making our country the best place in the world for the care and protection of animals.”

The RSPCA received more than a million calls to its 24-hour cruelty hotline, with a call every 27 seconds, in 2018. 

The new law has strong support from the public and welfare groups, with a public consultation last year showing more than 70 per cent of people supporting plans for tougher prison sentences.

Courts have wanted to hand down longer sentences in recent years.

However, they have been unable to as they were not available.

Animal welfare minister David Rutley said he believed longer sentences would act as “a serious deterrent against cruelty and neglect”.

He added: “This step builds on recent positive action we have taken to protect animals, including plans to ban third-party puppy and kitten sales and banning the use of wild animals in circuses.”

Additional reporting by the Press Association.