Staffordshire Moorlands MP, Karen Bradley has welcomed the plans published by the Environment Secretary today for a new law that will ensure animal abusers are jailed for up to 5 years and animal sentience is reflected in domestic law.
The Government has published a draft bill which would increase the maximum prison sentence for animal cruelty tenfold, from six months to five years, in England and Wales. The draft bill also sets out that the government “must have regard to the welfare needs of animals as sentient beings in formulating and implementing government policy.” Subject to consultation on the draft bill, the government will legislate to deliver both aims.
The plans underline the government’s commitment to raising animal welfare standards, ensuring there will be enhanced protections for animals as we leave the EU.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove said,
“As we leave the EU we will deliver a Green Brexit, not only maintaining but enhancing animal welfare standards.”
“Animals are sentient beings who feel pain and suffering, so we are writing that principle into law and ensuring that we protect their welfare.”
“Our plans will also increase sentences for those who commit the most heinous acts of animal cruelty to five years in jail.”
“We are a nation of animal lovers so we will make Brexit work not just for citizens but for the animals we love and cherish too.”
The plans to increase maximum sentences follows a number of recent shocking cases where courts have said they would have handed down longer sentences had they been available, including a case last year when a man trained dogs to ruthlessly torture other animals, including trapping a fox and a terrier dog in a cage to brutally attack each other.
Karen commented,
"I am delighted that the Environment Secretary has announced plans to enshrine animal sentience in domestic UK law. This Government fully recognises that animals are sentient beings and we will do everything possible to protect their welfare.”
“This is brilliant news for Staffordshire Moorlands and the whole nation as we cement the UK's position as a global leader on animal welfare."
The move has also been strongly welcomed by animal welfare groups such as the RSCPA and follows dedicated campaigning from Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.