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Animal abusers in England and Wales are set to face tougher sentences in the wake of a new law being passed.
Yesterday (29 April), The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill received Royal Assent and was passed into law.
The bill increases the maximum sentencing under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 from six months to five years.
Chris Sherwood, the RSPCA’s chief executive said: “This act is a huge step forward for animal welfare in the UK and we’re delighted that justice will now be served for animals.
“Tougher sentences will act as a stronger deterrent to potential animal abusers and will help us in our aim to cancel out animal cruelty once and for all.”
He added: “This reform is long overdue – for many years, the most violent and horrific abuse and cruelty received a maximum penalty of just a few months.
“We’re proud to have some of the best standards of animal welfare in the world but custodial sentences have long been letting us down.”
