Battersea calls for clarity on animal cruelty sentences
“Battersea had hoped to see a clear timeline of when tougher sentences for cruelty will come into effect."
Battersea Dogs and Cats Home has called for further clarity on how five-year animal cruelty sentences will be implemented.
In a statement about the Government’s response to the EFRA report on the Animal Welfare Bill, the charity said it welcomed the support for five year maximum sentences. However, it noted the government had provided “no further clarity” on how five-year sentences will be brought forward when Britain leaves the EU.
A Battersea spokesperson said: “Battersea had hoped to see a clear timeline of when tougher sentences for cruelty will come into effect. So this brief statement is disappointing, especially as there is overwhelming public and cross-party political support for the measure.”
The EFRA committee recommends separating the issues of cruelty sentencing and respecting animal sentience into two distinct Bills. In turn, this would allow for both Bills to proceed effectively.
Welcoming the recommendation, Battersea said: “We feel that combining the two is likely to unnecessarily delay the process of passing tougher sentences for animal cruelty into law,” the statement continued.
“We now look to the Government to progress its commitment to five-year sentences and set out plans at its earliest convenience, to reassure the many tens of thousands of people who have joined Battersea in campaigning for this much-needed change.”
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
