Delays to ‘important’ welfare legislation putting animals at risk, warns Battersea
Animal charity Battersea is warning that “disappointing” delays to important welfare legislation are putting animals at risk.
The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, which would increase maximum sentences for the worst acts of animal cruelty from the current penalty of six months to five years, has now fallen in Westminster for the second time as parliament dissolves ahead of December’s general election.
Claire Horton, Battersea chief executive, said: “Battersea knows Parliament is wrestling with some of the most pressing issues facing our nation. But improving animal welfare is one thing the country agrees on.
“This Bill has been backed by every major political party and animal welfare organisation, has the support of tens of thousands of members of the general public, and has made its way through much of the parliamentary process already.”
Battersea said it has identified 12 animal welfare issues, including cruelty sentencing, that the new government “should be addressing”.
Claire added: “Animals can’t speak for themselves, so we need to be their voice. Animal lovers everywhere are supporting us in this fight and are calling upon parliamentary candidates to do the same.
“It’s in our hands to make a difference and we want the public to once again, remind the government what they should be prioritising on behalf of animals across England and Wales.”
