Pressure on MPs over welfare laws

CALLS have been made for England to follow Scotland’s lead in increasing the maximum sentence for animal abusers.

The Scottish legislation, granted royal assent on 21 July, increases the maximum jail term from 12 months to five years.

“The focus now shifts to Westminster and the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill,” said charity Battersea dogs and Cats Home. “The second reading date for the Bill has been postponed a number of times, although it has huge cross-party support.

“Together, we’ll make sure that Westminster follows Scotland’s lead. We know the political support is there – it’s time to get this over the line.”

The new Scottish law means charities can start the rehoming process sooner, and incorporates Finn’s Law, which came into force in England and Wales in 2019, and means self-defence can no longer be used as an excuse by those who harm working animals, such as police horses.

The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill covering England and Wales has been introduced twice previously, but stalled owing to parliamentary reasons. If successful, it will increase maximum prison sentences from six months to five years.

It was re-introduced as a private member’s bill in February, but delays as a result of the coronavirus pandemic meant it has been pushed back again to October.