Gove ups max jail term for animal cruelty to five years

PEOPLE who abuse animals will now face up to five years in prison under a tough new crackdown.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove said the ten-fold increase in the present six-month sentence was needed to combat cruelty.

The move comes after a series of cases in which courts said they would have liked to impose tougher sentences if they had the option.

These include instances when a man bought a number of puppies just to brutally and systematically beat, choke and stab them to death.

The new legislation will also deal more effectively with ruthless gangs involved in organised dog fights, the Environment Department said.

Mr Gove said: “We must ensure that those who commit the most shocking cruelty towards animals face suitably tough punishments.

“These plans will give courts the tools they have requested to deal with the most abhorrent acts.

“This is one part of our plan to deliver worldleading standards of animal welfare.”

Under the plans, courts will retain the ability to hand out an unlimited fine and ban an offender from owning animals but will also have the ability to sentence the worst cases more harshly.

The move will bring maximum sentences for animal cruelty into line with Australia, Canada, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The RSPCA’s David Bowles said: “We are thrilled that the Government has responded to calls from the RSPCA and members of the public to toughen up sentences for the worst animal abusers.

“We hope this will act as a real deterrent against cruelty and neglect.

“The RSPCA picks up the pieces of animal cruelty every day of the year. Our inspectors regularly rescue animals from horrific circumstances.

“It is only through the prosecutions that we take that many of the perpetrators are brought to justice.

“The strength of feeling behind a move toughen up these sentences is huge.

“Michael Gove’s promise... will finally mean that the sentence fits the crime.” to