Require mandatory custodial sentences for severe, deliberate animal abuse — 9 signatures. Status: rejected.
We want the Government and Sentencing Council to revise animal welfare sentencing guidelines. Despite the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021 raising maximum penalties to 5 years, courts continue issuing suspended sentences for severe, deliberate physical beatings and intentional poisoning.
Suspended sentences send a message that severe, intentional harm to animals carries no immediate consequence. Cases of offenders carrying out prolonged physical beatings or trying to poison animals continue to result in non-custodial outcomes at the magistrates' level. While lifetime animal bans are crucial, immediate prison time must be the standard baseline where deliberate terror and violence are inflicted. We need stronger, mandatory guidelines to protect animals effectively.
View this petition on the official UK Parliament website