Closed petition: Increase maximum animal cruelty punishment from five years to eight years

Closed on 27 July 2025

We believe that animal cruelty is a huge, growing problem that we think isn’t being addressed as harshly as necessary. Therefore, we think we need to fight for harsher animal cruelty sentences (increased by three years).

We think the Government must act to increase the maximum penalty for animal cruelty from five to eight years. We feel current sentences fail to reflect the severity of these crimes, which cause immense suffering to innocent animals. We think a tougher penalty would be a stronger deterrent, ensure justice for victims, and align the law with growing recognition of animal welfare as a priority. By making this change, we think the Government can send a clear message: cruelty to animals will not be tolerated.