The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill passed a significant House of Commons hurdle on Friday 12th March and now heads to the House of Lords.
The Bill would increase the maximum sentence for certain animal cruelty offences to five years and would apply to England and Wales.
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border and a veterinary surgeon, has been a strong advocate of the Bill and was pleased to see it pass through its latest legislative stage.
Dr Hudson said:
“This is a hugely important Bill and, as a vet, I strongly support this measure to improve animal welfare. I was due to speak in the debate on the Bill but owing to time restrictions it was voted on without contributions. Increased sentencing from 6 months to 5 years will protect animals and help act as deterrent. We have duty of care to protect and look after animals with dignity and respect as fully sentient beings. Sadly, animal cruelty exists in society, and has also been linked on occasion with domestic abuse cases.
The Bill has received cross-party support, showing that the House is united in protecting animals from harm. I wrote with colleagues to Leader of The House to make time for the Bill and I questioned Zac Goldsmith the Minister on this issue in a recent Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee session. I wish the Bill well as it now goes to the Lords and a step closer to the statute books. I would like to thank the tireless efforts of campaigners and my colleague, Chris Loder MP, whose Private Members Bill makes this change possible.”
