There should be zero tolerance

We’re supposed to be a nation of animal lovers and, collectively speaking, so we are. But that doesn’t hide the uncomfortable fact there’s a lot of nasty people out there who take perverse delight in making animals suffer.

Our two heart-breaking stories this week, about an abandoned, emaciated pony and a cat which suffered air rifle wounds and later died of possible poisoning, bear testimony to that.

Many religious faiths say we are all God’s creatures, here to share a little time on this planet in the image he made us

As humans, we’re the lucky ones – bestowed with the gifts of logic, and a sense of right and wrong, with the power to speak and mete out justice.

Our animals can’t. They have no voice and suffer in silence. They depend on us to raise a protective sword for them.

But charities like the cashstrapped RSPCA are finding it tough. They have only enough money to prosecute just one per cent of all the incidents it’s faced with.

We believe there should be zero tolerance on animal abuse as there is absolutely no excuse for it. Tougher custodial sentences are required and a lifetime ban for persistent and serious offenders.

There is a also a strong case to see animal protection agencies become part of the criminal justice system, so they can continue to undertake prosecutions but not pay costs.

Until our laws are toughened up, many of these beautiful and loving creatures are destined to continue suffering.