August
2017. Local MEP Jonathan Arnott is again backing a call for tougher sentences
for animal cruelty.
The Centre for Crime Prevention is recommending that the maximum sentence
is increased from six months – the lowest in Europe – to five
years.
Figures have revealed that more than 92% of offenders convicted of animal
cruelty over ten years ending in 2015 in England and Wales avoided
prison.
“I have long advocated tougher sentences and I was particularly sickened
by the case of the two Redcar thugs who walked free from court last year after
subjecting a bulldog to a horrific attack,” said Mr Arnott, UKIP
Euro-MP.
“If only that were an isolated instance. Yet despite daily examples of
unspeakable cruelty, I genuinely can’t remember the last time anyone actually
served more than 2 months in prison before early release – even for the most
heinous of offences against animals.
“It is all very well for the government to mutter that it is reviewing
the matter and any changes to legislation should always be carefully considered
before implementation.
“But this problem has been apparent for years. It’s not a complex matter
to add animal cruelty offences to the list for which ‘unduly lenient’ sentences
can be reviewed, or to toughen up on making sure that bans on keeping animals
are properly enforced.
“Nor is it a complex matter to increase the maximum sentence for animal
cruelty so that culprits can be dealt with in a proper manner and more in
keeping with their heartless crimes.
“The public are righty outraged at our government’s rudderless leadership
and the leniency shown to such offenders. Those who deliberately harm animals
should face sentences which actually deliver justice,” said Mr
Arnott. Chronicle.
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