There is no place in this country for animal cruelty, and we must ensure that those who abuse animals are met with the full force of the law.
I appreciate the depth of your concern about the issue you raise. Any case of cruelty towards any animal is completely unacceptable and I would fully welcome prosecutions against anyone found to have caused unnecessary suffering to an animal. If you believe that an animal is being harmed by an individual [OR that animals are being harmed by a number of individuals], I would urge you to report it to the police and the RSPCA who will be able to investigate this further.]
I am assured that animals are protected under the Animal Welfare Act 2006. This Act requires those in charge of animals to protect them from harm and to ensure their key welfare needs are provided for. Those in charge of animals who fail to protect them from harm, or fail to provide for their welfare needs, may be prosecuted.
The Government delivered on its manifesto commitment to increase sentences for animal cruelty through the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021. This Act provides one of the toughest sanctions in Europe for animal cruelty offences, enabling tougher prison sentences for the most serious perpetrators of animal cruelty, from the previous maximum of six months to up to five years. I believe that this increase in sentencing will send a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated.
Further, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs' recent consultation asked for views on introducing penalty notices to bolster enforcement for animal health and welfare offences. This means that those who commit offences such as importing illegal animal products could face fines of up to £5,000. I will continue to follow this closely.