A bill to increase jail sentences for animal cruelty cases in the UK
New legislation has been laid before British parliament on June 26, which could punish the worst animal abusers with tougher prison sentences. The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill would increase maximum jail sentences for animal abusers to five years (from the current six months) which would make it one of the toughest punishments in Europe. If passed into law, it will come into effect in two months after it receives Royal Assent.
In 2018, the RSPCA received one call every 27 seconds on average to its 24-hour cruelty hotline, meaning over 1.1 million calls in total. A public consultation last year showed more than 70% of responders supported proposals for tougher prison sentences. Introducing the new bill, environment secretary Michael Gove said it is sending a clear message that animal abuse will not be tolerated.
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