Animal Cruelty Improved legislation

Responsible department: Ministry of Justice

Within the UK Judicial System, sentencing guidelines are set by the Sentencing Council and they provide detailed guidance to Magistrates Courts across the UK.

These guidelines state that offences of Animal Cruelty (as described in the Animal Welfare Act 2006) is triable only summarily (cannot go to Crown Court) and carry a maximum penalty of £20,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment.

We would like to see a zero tolerance on animal abuse as there is absolutely no excuse for it.

We would like to see sentencing increased to a maximum of 2 years custodial and a lifetime ban for persistent or serious offenders.

We would also like to see animal protection agencies become part of the criminal justice system so they can continue to undertake prosecutions but do not have to pay the prosecution costs