Thank you for contacting me as part of the League against Cruel Sports’ general election campaign on the Hunting Act and animal cruelty sentencing.
Hunting is a very contentious issue on which strong views are held on both sides of the debate in the Horsham constituency as elsewhere.
Personally, given the major issues confronting the country, I don't view it as a priority issue. However I do understand that for some this is a critical issue.
We have yet to see any proposed amendments to the Act. However as I answered both before the last general election and when it was raised as an issue at the start of the last parliament, I opposed the Hunting Act when it was first debated and my views have not substantially changed.
You also asked about sentencing policy. While current sentencing practice for offences of animal cruelty does not suggest that the courts are finding their sentencing powers inadequate, the Government keeps maximum penalties under review. One of the most important penalties available is the disqualification from keeping animals. The Sentencing Council has recently published new guidelines for magistrates, which aim to ensure that the most serious cases of animal cruelty can receive longer sentences.
As you may be aware the UK has, more generally, one of the best scores on the World Animal Protection Index. The UK has a strong track record on welfare, for example, leading the way on the banning of battery cages for laying hens, sow stalls and veal crates. On top of that, we have banned cosmetic testing, are tackling the international illegal wildlife trade and cracking down on backstreet puppy breeders.
Thank you once again for taking the time to contact me.
