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Animal cruelty sentences to rise to five years in prison | Animal cruelty sentences to rise to five years in prison |
(about 4 hours later) | |
People in England who commit the most serious crimes of animal cruelty could face up to five years in prison, the government has said. | People in England who commit the most serious crimes of animal cruelty could face up to five years in prison, the government has said. |
The move - an increase on the current six-month maximum sentence - follows a number of cases where English courts wanted to hand down tougher sentences. | The move - an increase on the current six-month maximum sentence - follows a number of cases where English courts wanted to hand down tougher sentences. |
Environment Secretary Michael Gove said it would target "those who commit the most shocking cruelty towards animals". | Environment Secretary Michael Gove said it would target "those who commit the most shocking cruelty towards animals". |
The RSPCA said it would "deter people from abusing and neglecting animals". | The RSPCA said it would "deter people from abusing and neglecting animals". |
Worst cases | Worst cases |
Under the government's plans, courts will retain the ability to hand out an unlimited fine and ban an offender from owning animals in the future. | Under the government's plans, courts will retain the ability to hand out an unlimited fine and ban an offender from owning animals in the future. |
However, they would now also have the ability to sentence the worst cases more harshly. | However, they would now also have the ability to sentence the worst cases more harshly. |
The new legislation will also enable courts to deal more effectively with ruthless gangs involved in organised dog fights, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said. | The new legislation will also enable courts to deal more effectively with ruthless gangs involved in organised dog fights, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said. |
The plans will only apply in England, as animal cruelty powers are devolved to the nations of the UK. | The plans will only apply in England, as animal cruelty powers are devolved to the nations of the UK. |
The maximum sentence for offenders in Wales is six months in prison, while the maximum sentence in Scotland is 12 months. | The maximum sentence for offenders in Wales is six months in prison, while the maximum sentence in Scotland is 12 months. |
The move will bring maximum sentences for animal cruelty in England into line with Northern Ireland, the Irish Republic, Australia, and Canada. | The move will bring maximum sentences for animal cruelty in England into line with Northern Ireland, the Irish Republic, Australia, and Canada. |
It comes as judges and magistrates in some English courts have complained they wanted to hand down tougher sentences to those guilty of abusing animals. | It comes as judges and magistrates in some English courts have complained they wanted to hand down tougher sentences to those guilty of abusing animals. |
"These plans will give courts the tools they have requested to deal with the most abhorrent acts," Mr Gove said. | "These plans will give courts the tools they have requested to deal with the most abhorrent acts," Mr Gove said. |
"We are a nation of animal lovers and so we must ensure that those who commit the most shocking cruelty towards animals face suitably tough punishments." | "We are a nation of animal lovers and so we must ensure that those who commit the most shocking cruelty towards animals face suitably tough punishments." |
David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, welcomed the move. | David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, welcomed the move. |
'Massive step forward' | |
He said: "The strength of feeling behind a move to toughen up these sentences is huge. | He said: "The strength of feeling behind a move to toughen up these sentences is huge. |
"At the moment the courts are limited by the law under which the strongest sentence for animal cruelty is six months' imprisonment and an unlimited fine - but this rarely happens." | "At the moment the courts are limited by the law under which the strongest sentence for animal cruelty is six months' imprisonment and an unlimited fine - but this rarely happens." |
The Department for Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs (Defra) said about 1,150 people per year are convicted for animal cruelty - but fewer than five receive the current maximum sentence. | |
Claire Horton, chief executive of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, added the change will be "very positively received by the public". | Claire Horton, chief executive of Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, added the change will be "very positively received by the public". |
Philippa King, from the League Against Cruel Sports, said it was "excellent news" that the government had "listened to the people who are dealing with this on the front line". | |
"There are people in this country who find it either enjoyable or profitable to force dogs to attack each other, and the law at the moment is a pitiful deterrent," she said. | |
"If these proposals lead to five-year jail sentences for those involved in dog fighting, this will be a massive step forward." | |
The government is expected to publish draft legislation for consultation at the end of the year. | The government is expected to publish draft legislation for consultation at the end of the year. |