Great news for the RSPCA as animal welfare sentencing bill passes committee stage

With the animal welfare sentencing bill one step closer to being passed, animal charities look forward to a brighter future for pets in need

It’s no news to anyone that the RSPCA has been calling for tougher sentencing for animal abusers for many years now, but it looks like their hard work is one step closer to paying off. The new animal welfare sentencing bill has passed the committee stage this week, and the charity hopes that MPs from all parties will support its progress for the good of animals in need across the UK.

The law, brought forward by Chris Loder MP, will now go to the report stage and third reading before it reaches the House of Lords. The UK government pledged tougher sentences under the Animal Welfare Act back in 2017, increasing the maximum prison sentences from six months to five years – a pledge that saw plenty of support among MPs.

With that being said, England and Wales currently have some of the lowest sentences for animal offences, while Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland have recently increased their sentences to a maximum of five years. The RSPCA hope that the sentencing in England will be brought in line with this.

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 onto the statute book in this parliamentary session.

“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’re 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.”

For more information, visit rspca.org.uk