SSPCA boss praises tougher sentences

Animal protection bosses are praising moves to get tough on those who torture pets.

Under new sanctions, legal bosses want to increase penalties from 12 months to five years in jail, for those who abuse and harm animals.

The move announced by Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment, Mairi Gougeon MSP, has been roundly welcomed by the Scottish SPCA.

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent, Mike Flynn, said:“We welcome the minister’s update and fully support all the work the Scottish Government is carrying out to champion animal welfare in Scotland.

“At present, the punishment does not fit the crime with some of the worst instances of animal cruelty we have witnessed.

“Whilst people can be banned from owning animals, increased imprisonment sentences should serve as a valuable deterrent to protect animals.

“The introduction of Fixed Penalty Notices should free up more time for inspectors in both the Scottish SPCA and local authorities to focus on the most serious cases of animal mistreatment.”

He also backed a consultation on permitting the Scottish SPCA to rehome animals removed from abusive owners much more quickly and efficiently than at present.

Currently, animals owned by a person who is being taken to court cannot be rehomed until the case concludes.

Mike added:“Court cases can take a long time to come around and many months can pass between us seizing animals and a judgement being passed. Keeping these animals at a rehoming centre does not benefit anyone.”

The moves to improve animal welfare are to amend Scotland’s main legislation for animals, the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006.