Tough Animal Welfare Measures to Set to Become Law

A Parliamentary Bill to increase penalties for the country’s worst animal abusers has moved a step nearer to becoming law.

The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, has passed all its stages in the House of Commons this month (12^th March 2021). The measure, co-sponsored by East Yorkshire MP Sir Greg Knight, will introduce tougher prison sentences for those found guilty of animal cruelty, by increasing the penalty from a maximum jail term of 6 months, to one of five years.

Responding to the Bill’s progress, Sir Greg said: “This is good news. It will deter abuse and lead to the better treatment of animals. It is a serious step forward.”

Greg adds: “For too long, the worst animal abusers have got away with a slap on the wrist, but that will soon end. We are a nation of animal-lovers, and the public rightly want those who treat their pets, or other animals badly, to be punished appropriately. Longer jail sentences will act as a deterrent too”.

The Private Members’ measure, introduced by Chris Loder, MP and backed by Sir Greg, is the latest move at Westminster to promote animal welfare.