Twitter Instagram
    • Email Newsletters
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    Twitter LinkedIn
    CPD Log-In
    OvertheCounter
    • News
      • Dairy / Beef
      • Sheep
      • Pigs / Poultry
      • Equine
      • Companion
      • Retail
      • Training
    • Magazines
      1. July 2022
      2. May 2022
      3. March 2022
      4. Kitten & Puppy Supplement 2022
      5. January 2022
      Featured

      Over the Counter – July 2022

      By Simon KingJuly 5, 2022
      Recent

      Over the Counter – July 2022

      July 5, 2022

      Over the Counter – May 2022

      May 11, 2022

      Over the Counter – March 2022

      March 8, 2022
    • CPD Training
      • AMTRA CPD Modules
        • Frontline Academy
        • Companion Animal CPD Modules
        • Equine CPD modules
        • Livestock CPD Modules
        • Poultry CPD Modules
        • Are you a Gold Standard SQP?
      • VETPOL CPD Modules
        • Companion Animal CPD Modules
        • Livestock CPD Modules
      • Earning CPD points with overthecounter.news
      • CPD Log-In
    • National SQP Awards
    OvertheCounter
    News

    Cruelty maximum sentence increased from six months to five years

    Simon KingBy Simon KingJune 30, 2021No Comments2 Mins Read
    LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email

    People who abuse animals can now face a maximum sentence of five years in prison as the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act comes into effect.

    The landmark legislation kicks in after completing its final Government stage and passing into law in April 2021.

    After years of campaigning, the RSPCA – the principal investigator of animal neglect, cruelty and serious organised animal crime in England and Wales – is celebrating this ‘milestone’.

    Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the RSPCA, said: “This is a landmark day for animals and animal welfare in England and Wales. For almost 200 years the RSPCA has been investigating animal cruelty and rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals. While we’ve seen vast changes in the way we keep animals during that time, as well as huge advances in legislation to better protect animal welfare, our sentences for animal abusers have long been letting our animals down.

    “We’re absolutely thrilled that we’ve now reached this milestone moment and that courts will now have more flexibility to hand out sentences that better reflect the severity of the crimes they are dealing with and we hope the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act will act as a greater deterrent and help us cancel out cruelty once and for all.”

    The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021 increases the maximum sentencing under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 from six months to five years for cruelty and fighting offences. It comes into effect in both England and Wales on the same day.

    The new law brings England and Wales in line with Scotland and Northern Ireland where convicted animal abusers can be jailed for up to five years.

    “The reform is long overdue,” Mr Sherwood added. “For years, those responsible for the most horrific, violent and unimaginable cruelty to animals have been punished with just a few short months in prison, less than they might get for fly tipping.

    “Going forward, our courts will be able to hand out sentences in animal cruelty cases that truly reflect the severity of the crimes.”

    Share. LinkedIn Facebook Twitter Email
    Previous ArticleTails.com expands treats range
    Next Article Can you spot an overweight horse?

    Read Similar Stories

    PATS exhibitor heralds show ‘a fantastic platform for business’

    RSPCA celebrates ‘huge news’ as farmers in Wales could be paid for higher welfare

    LEAF Open Farm Sunday strengthens public trust in farming

    Most Read

    Jollyes to open new Stockton-on-Tees store on Saturday

    August 2, 2022

    Be alert to haemonchus risk – and utilise free testing where appropriate

    August 1, 2022

    Keeping safe around dogs this summer

    July 29, 2022

    Any animal medicine advertising or promotion should conform to the ‘code of practice’ of the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH).
    For full details contact the publisher or www.noah.co.uk.

    Lewis Business Media Ltd endeavours to make articles and statements as accurate as possible.

    © 2022 Lewis Business Media. All Rights Reserved.
    Lewis Business Media, Suite A, Arun House, Office Village, River Way, Uckfield, TN22 1SL

    Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Terms & Conditions

    The OTC "tick" mechanism is the copyright of Lewis Business Media Ltd ©2022

    • Pet Business World
    • Pest
    • Pig World
    • Poultry News

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
    Cookie SettingsAccept All
    Manage consent

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    SAVE & ACCEPT
    Powered by CookieYes Logo