Mindless animal abuse must be stamped out

AGAIN, we see the mindless and sick actions of those who believe that harming and killing animals unnecessarily is acceptable in society, especially when we are deemed to be an animal-loving country. It has been reported that the RSPCA are to deal with an increase in this behaviour. The increasing of penalties for this crime will not be sufficient, as the many animal victims prior to an arrest cannot speak out.

One must ask whether the Covid-19 lockdown has identified more animal abusers, some of whom may progress to being abusers of children, women and the more vulnerable in society to fulfil their personal gratification. We only have to read or hear from animal and wildlife charities, who are highlighting their work to treat the horrendous acts of shootings, whether via an air gun, shotgun or bow and arrow on innocent animals and birds, in the name of addressing boredom.

Anyone who abuses, beats or kills an animal should have a mandatory sentence of seven years, so that with good behaviour we can ensure that these offenders, who may progress to being abusers of other groups, serve a minimum of five years and are not allowed to own a pet or weapon of any kind or a further automatic prison will be instigated. Education needs to be implemented in our schools to respect other inhabitants of the world, who have the right to live.

One must ask how some can shoot a cat with an air gun or shoot crossbow bolts through a swan’s neck or even place a sock over its