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Government reintroduces Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill
The Bill will increase the maximum sentence for animal abusers to five years.

Move follows public consultation showing support for tougher prison sentences

The Government announced on Tuesday (15 October) that it has reintroduced a Bill that means animal abusers could face up to five years in prison.


The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill has been reintroduced to the House of Commons following a public consultation last year. Responses to the consultation showed more than 70 per cent of people supported proposals for tougher prison sentences.


The move will be a significant increase from the current maximum sentence of six months, making it one of the toughest sanctions in Europe.

“I am committed to improving animal welfare in this country and the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, which will increase the maximum sentencing to five years in prison, sends a clear message that animal cruelty will not be tolerated," said animal welfare minister Zac Goldsmith.

“This step builds on a series of actions this government has taken to protect animals, including a ban on third-party puppy and kitten sales, banning the use of wild animals in circuses, and taking steps both to end keeping primates as pets and the live export of animals.”

The government announced in summer 2018 that the issue of animal sentencing and animal sentience will be split. This is line with the advice for the House of Commons EFRA Select Committee.

Ministers are now considering the right legislative vehicle for sentience and details will follow in due course. 

 

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Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.