Rachel has issued the following response to a constituent's concerns about animal cruelty sentencing, which may be useful to others with similar concerns.
I know this issue is very close to people’s hearts. I am a rescue dog owner and animal lover, and I do have an interest in getting this right.
The Animal Welfare Act 2006 sets out a robust legal framework to address cruel behaviour, which makes it an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal.
It is a decision for the courts as to what the penalty should be given in each individual case, taking into account its circumstances and the guidelines laid down by the Sentencing Council. Currently, in addition to the maximum penalty of six months' imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine, the courts can also disqualify offenders from keeping animals for as long as they consider appropriate.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is in regular contact with the Ministry of Justice in relation to sentencing policy for animal welfare offences, but I would note that current sentencing practice does not suggest that the courts are finding current sentencing powers inadequate.
If you have any specific queries that you would like to raise with me regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Please be assured that I will keep this under close review.
Date published: 26 June 2017.
As with all items in the FAQ Library, answers are subject to modification owing to events and changes in underlying circumstances. If you would like an answer that is more specific to your circumstances, or to seek and up-to-date response, please email rachel.maclean.mp@parliament.uk.
