RSPCA urges government to pass Animal Welfare Bill

The RSPCA is urging government parties in both England and Wales to pass a bill that will see animal abusers maximum prison sentence rise from six months to five years. 

Currently, the Welsh government has laid a legislative consent memorandum (LCM) which would allow provisions in the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, a Westminster Private Members’ Bill sponsored by Chris Loder MP, to apply to Wales too.

In early February, the Bill passed the committee stage in the House of Commons -now RSPCA hopes the Bill can complete its legislative journey before the end of this UK parliamentary session. 

David Bowles, head of public affairs, RSPCA, said: “We have long supported tougher sentences being made available in courts – and this LCM paves the way for Chris Loder MP’s backbench Bill to apply to Wales too.

“Sadly, England and Wales have some of the lowest sentences for animal welfare offences in the world. The punishments available are too often totally inadequate and that needs to change.”

He added: “At Westminster, we continue to urge MPs, peers and the UK government to do everything they can to get Chris Loder’s Bill through; and in Wales, we hope members of the Senedd will back this LCM, so more animals get the justice they deserve.

“The clock is now ticking to get justice for animals. Supporters can act now to make sure the Bill becomes law before the next Queen’s Speech – which will now mean positive change for animals in both England and Wales.”