Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2020
In June 2019, the UK government announced that it would introduce a new piece of legislation to strengthen animal welfare laws. This legislation was passed into law as the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2020, which came into effect on June 29th, 2021. This new law has been widely hailed as a significant step forward in protecting the welfare of animals and ensuring that those who commit acts of animal cruelty are appropriately punished.
The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2020 increases the maximum sentence for animal cruelty offences from six months to five years. This is a substantial increase that puts animal cruelty on par with other serious criminal offences. Previously, offenders who were found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal could only be sentenced to a maximum of six months in prison. Now, under the new legislation, offenders can receive up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.[1]
This new law is a significant victory for animal rights activists who have long campaigned for tougher sentences for animal cruelty. Previously, the low maximum sentence for animal cruelty offences was seen as a reflection of society's indifference to the suffering of animals. The new legislation sends a clear message that animal cruelty is a serious crime that will not be tolerated.
The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2020 covers a wide range of animal cruelty offences, including intentional harm, neglect, and abandonment. It also applies to all animals, including domestic pets, farm animals, and wild animals. This means that those who mistreat or harm animals, whether for financial gain or personal pleasure, can now be held accountable for their actions.
The new legislation also provides a greater level of protection for service animals, such as police dogs and horses. These animals are often put in harm's way in the course of their duties, and the new law recognizes the vital role they play in keeping society safe. Under the new legislation, anyone who attacks a service animal can now be sentenced to up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.[1]
External links
https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8612/