Closed petition Animal cruelty convictions should have higher penalties

Closed on 17 August 2012

Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, the maximum fine for animal cruelty & welfare offences is £20,000. The maximum term of imprisonment is 6months (3months). In the majority of cases where convicted - the person rarely even gets a noticeable fine due to an ingrained attitude by the courts towards either those on low income or animal crime itself. All animal cruelty cases - even the most serious are only heard at Magistrate level, hence the limit on sentencing handed down - should this barrier exist? Magistrates knowledge is normally limited to experiences brought before them. The use & enforcement of animal bans is weak & rarely for life.

I propose the following to HM government:

1. Raise the maximum fine to £50,000.
2. Raise the maximum imprisonment to 10yrs (5yrs).
3. Magistrates to complete a one day course given by an organisation such as the RSPCA to aid them.
4. Enforcement is difficult, none the less, life bans should increase.

Thank you for supporting this petition.