I have recently been contacted by a number of
constituents as part of the " Animal sentience needs to be recognised in
UK law - please attend the debate on 9th September."
The government said it would legislate to increase the
sentencing guidelines for animal cruelty and I was delighted to see that
legislation recently pass into law As a
dog owner myself, I think people who abuse animals are abhorrent and welcome
this move by the government. This new legislation with significantly increased
penalties for those found guilty.
I hope the new, harsher sentences (up to 5 years) sends a
message to people who abuse animals, that it is not acceptable and will be
punished severely including having a reasonably long prison sentence.
I have also been concerned over live animal exports and
opened the Westminster Hall debate raising awareness of current failings and
concerns.
Once we leave the EU we will be free to introduce our own
legislation concerning animal welfare and of course other issues.
