Stephen has welcomed news that the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill has passed its Second Reading i in the House of Commons.
Earlier this week, Stephen wrote to Secretary of State, George Eustice, asking that the Government support the bill. He highlighted how many of his constituents feel the existing legislation is “neither a deterrent nor a punishment.”
The Bill, which seeks to extend the maximum penalty for animal cruelty to five years, was introduced to Parliament in early February and will now proceed to Committee Stage.
Speaking about the Bills progress, Stephen said “I have long supported increasing the maximum sentence available for animal cruelty offences. The current six month maximum sentence is simply inadequate for the severity of some of these terrible crimes. Increasing prison sentences for animal cruelty to five years could save the lives of animals and prevent unspeakable suffering.”