Five years isn’t long enough, they should be in prison for life in the worst cases as animal cruelty often leads to cruelty towards humans. Increase Minimum Sentence for Animal Abuse and Cruelty Crimes. Animal abusers are evil plain and simple and they don’t deserve to be called humans. Lauryn Burge, 20, appeared in the Rock Springs … The Government announced today (26 June) that it’s setting out legislation to increase maximum sentences for animal cruelty in England and Wales, following “strong support from public and welfare groups“. For example, the maximum sentences for animal cruelty in Germany and Northern Ireland are three years and five years respectively. “We and many other rescue centres see shocking cases of cruelty and neglect come through our gates and there are many more animals that are dumped and don’t even make it off the streets. Animal Welfare Minister, David Rutley, said: “These increased maximum sentences will act as a serious deterrent against cruelty and neglect in the future. The argument is further strengthened by looking at the maximum sentences attached to other crimes. The sentence goes nowhere near far enough and sentencing powers for animal cruelty need urgent reform. Battersea directly helps over 5,000 dogs and cats across its three centres and uses its expertise, influence, and voice to help thousands more animals all over the country and across the world. Here are the instructions of how to enable JavaScript in your browser. At a reception Battersea organised at the Scottish Parliament in September 2019, 61 MSPs from across the political parties signed the pledge board to show their support for the change in the law. 19. Many other MSPs subsequently also added their voices to Battersea’s call for change, before the Bill began its way through Parliament. The Scottish Government have been praised by animal welfare charity Battersea and the Scottish SPCA for increasing sentences for animal cruelty offences to a maximum of five years. There is at least some justice though for this cat and our thoughts are with all the animals who have been killed and their families. © Copyright 2019 Dogs Today Magazine. "Six months in prison for the gravest act of animal cruelty, such as torturing an animal to death, is a fraction of the maximum sentence for fly tipping [five years] or theft [seven years]," she said. The maximum sentence for animal cruelty will be increased to five years in jail and animal sentience will be enshrined in law. 3 mins read. Last month, … Penal Code 597 PC is the main California law that defines the crime of animal abuse. Claire continues: “The Scottish Government has now delivered their promise on tackling animal cruelty. Dogs Trust Veterinary Director Paula Boyden added, “We whole-heartedly welcome this measure being brought forward, as we continue our fight to tackle animal cruelty – an increase from the six-month maximum sentence is long overdue and much-needed to deter offenders. In a momentous day for animal welfare, five-year maximum sentences for animal cruelty offences will come into force after receiving Royal Assent today. Current maximum sentencing guidelines allow just six months in prison. Since Battersea was founded 160 years ago, we’ve been committed to helping every dog and cat that needs us - championing their rights, loving their imperfections and expertly caring for them. Animal cruelty penalties in Scotland are now in line with many other European countries. A new law increasing the maximum punishment for people convicted of animal cruelty from one year to five years took effect in Scotland this week, a month after the Scottish Parliament passed it unanimously. Animal abuse comes in many forms, including deliberate harm as well as a person's failure to take care of an animal. The RSPCA wants to see the maximum sentence for animal cruelty increased. Battersea is thrilled that the Government plans to raise the maximum sentence for the most abhorrent cases of animal cruelty in England from six months to five years. Justice is served: Maximum sentences for animal cruelty raised to five years in Scotland, 10 reasons to adopt a Battersea rescue dog, 10 reasons to adopt a Battersea rescue cat, How to care for your pets if you're ill or have to self-isolate due to coronavirus, battersea.org.uk/news/cruelty-sentences-raised-scotland. Judge Fred S. Hecker on Tuesday sentenced 56-year-old Laura Filler to serve 33 years, with all but seven years and seven days suspended, for 11 counts of aggravated animal cruelty. Prevalence of animal cruelty offences 17 How many complaints were sentenced? 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