Charities meet Government advisor to call for increased prison sentences

“Those who commit the worst animal cruelty offences can only receive a maximum prison sentence of six months under current legislation, which is far too low. We welcomed the UK Government’s pledge to increase maximum prison sentences to five years, bringing England into line with other European countries.

“The majority of equine cases that are prosecuted do not meet the requirements for a prison sentence – those that do include cases where there has been a deliberate attempt to cause suffering or there is ill treatment in a commercial context. However, this pledge will give judges a greater range of options for cases which do meet the requirements for a prison sentence. We believe this will encourage tougher – and more proportionate – sentences to be given for serious animal cruelty offences and act as a proper deterrent to those who abuse horses.

“The Amersham case of 2009 remains one of the worst cases of equine cruelty seen, with over 100 animals suffering prolonged neglect and living in squalid conditions and 32 sadly found dead on the premises. The dealer responsible was sentenced to the maximum time allowed, 24 weeks in prison, and given a lifetime ban. The proposed change to the law would ensure that if an equivalent case was tried the sentence handed out could better reflect the seriousness of the crime.”

Roly Owers, chief executive, World Horse Welfare

“It’s been more than 18 months since the Government pledged to increase penalties for the most serious cases of animal cruelty – and we’re still waiting for them to fulfil their promise.

“During that time, animals have been shot, stabbed, set on fire, drowned, beaten and left to starve to death. A maximum sentence of six months in prison for beating a dog to death with a shovel or throwing a cat off the roof of a building simply isn’t enough*. The courts need to have longer sentences at their disposal for the worst animal abusers – and they need these powers as soon as possible.”

Chris Sherwood, chief executive, RSPCA