Require courts to impose immediate custodial sentences for anyone convicted of serious animal abuse, cruelty or neglect to ensure stronger punishment, greater deterrence and better protection for animals. We feel fines are not sufficient.

Animal abuse and severe neglect cause significant suffering, yet many offenders often receive fines, suspended sentences or relatively short bans on keeping animals. We believe these penalties do not reflect the seriousness of the offence or act as an effective deterrent. The Government should introduce mandatory custodial sentences for those convicted of serious animal abuse, cruelty or neglect, alongside appropriate lifetime bans where necessary.