The maximum sentence for a person convicted of animal cruelty is just 6 months.
The London Assembly has today called on the Government to put forward the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill as soon as possible.
Steve O’Connell AM, who proposed the motion said:
“It is nothing short of a scandal that the current maximum sentence for those who cruelly abuse animals is just six months. Offenders who commit these heinous crimes should be brought to justice and face tough sentences.
“The Government was entirely right to introduce the Animal Welfare Bill and the next Government - whatever its political complexion - should ensure that this Bill finally becomes law”.
Léonie Cooper AM, who seconded the motion said:
“Animal cruelty is a barbaric practice that should have been abandoned long ago. Sadly, in too many cases, lenient and weak enforcement measures have let this type of crime continue.
“This is why the Government’s continued commitment to the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill is very welcome.
“Increasing the maximum sentence for animal cruelty offences, from six months to five years, will send a clear message that perpetrators of this crime will face justice”.
The full text of the motion is:
“This Assembly notes the campaign of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home for tougher sentences for animal cruelty, which has received significant support. This Assembly, therefore, welcomes that the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill was reintroduced in the Queen’s Speech, but notes it will now not complete its passage during the current Parliamentary session.
With the current maximum sentence for animal cruelty standing at just six months imprisonment, which is the lowest custodial sentence for animal cruelty across the whole of Europe, this Assembly urges the next Government to put forward the Bill again as soon as possible.”
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast
- The motion was agree unanimously.
- Steve O’Connell AM, who proposed the motion, is available for interviews.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Aoife Nolan on 020 7983 4067. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.