The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill has passed into law in a ‘huge step forward’ for animal welfare.
The Bill completed all its stages in the Houses of Parliament and has now received Royal Assent meaning animal abusers convicted under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 could face up to five years in prison.
Although the Bill has now become law, it is expected to come into force later this year - a move for which animal welfare groups and MPs have long campaigned.
The new law brings us in line with Scotland and Northern Ireland where convicted animal abusers can be jailed for up to five years.
The Act is set to cover both England and Wales, once the Senedd for Wales passes a legislative consent motion - which the Welsh Government supports.
Commenting on this legislative milestone Dr Hudson said:
“As a vet by profession, and the only one in the House of Commons, animal welfare is an issue that I have been campaigning on consistently since I entered Parliament. I have been a strong supporter of this legislation and I am delighted that it will now enter the statute books. We have a 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.”
Chief executive of the RSPCA Chris Sherwood said:
“This law is a huge step forward for animal welfare in the UK and we’re delighted that justice will now be served for animals. Tougher sentences will act as a stronger deterrent to potential animal abusers and will help us in our aim to stamp out animal cruelty
