Sentencing for animal cruelty offences | April 2017

I have received many emails regarding the length of sentencing for animal cruelty offences.
The UK has a robust legal framework to tackle cruelty against animals in the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Government realises the seriousness of animal cruelty and has been making progress to tackle this vicious crime. For instance, the previous cap in fine charges was reviewed by the Parliamentary Select Committee for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in 2012, and has now been removed. The Sentencing Council has also clarified a range of relevant factors that would indicate a more serious offence. You will also be happy to know that the Ministry of Justice is also looking at whether there is a case for increasing the penalties further.
However, in Wales, animal welfare is devolved and therefore is the responsibility of the Welsh Government.

I encourage you to write to the Minister for Environment and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths AM, Welsh Government, 5th Floor, Tŷ Hywel, CARDIFF BAY, CF99 1NA, if you wish, to highlight your concerns.

April 2017

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