Animal Cruelty Sentencing

Thank you for contacting me about animal cruelty sentencing. 

You will be pleased to hear that the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill has now passed through the Public Bill Committee and I look forward to it coming back to the House for the Report Stage and Third Reading. The Government is supporting the Bill’s swift passage through both the Commons and the Lords. 

The new Bill will enable tougher prison sentences for the most serious perpetrators of animal cruelty, from the current maximum of six months to up to five years. The maximum five-year sentence will become one of the toughest punishments in Europe, strengthening the UK’s position as a global leader on animal welfare. 

This Government is taking further steps to elevate the UK's reputation for animal welfare. Ministers are taking advantage of our departure from the EU to deliver on manifesto commitments to end excessively long journeys for slaughter and fattening of livestock. Alongside this, they are continuing to work on developing new laws on animal sentience and cracking down on the illegal smuggling of dogs and puppies. The Government also remains committed to banning pet primates; introducing mandatory cat microchipping; and implementing the Ivory Act. 

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me about this important issue.