People convicted of animal cruelty crimes in England and Wales could soon be facing sentences of up to five years in jail, following recommendations from the Sentencing Council.
Last year the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill was given Royal Assent and it raised the maximum penalty from six months up to five years for causing unnecessary suffering, tail docking, and animal fighting.
Between now and August the Sentencing Council is consulting on whether to adopt the tougher sentences.
Judge Rosa Dean of the Sentencing Council said: “Animal cruelty is a serious offence and can cause great distress to animals who have been ill-treated or neglected or even forced to fight each other for entertainment.
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