ANIMAL WELFARE DEBATE
Today, the House debated a Private Member's Bill on Animal Welfare, with the purpose of increasing sentences for those that abuse animals. I was able to join the debate myself and I had a lot to say.
Currently, our country's sentencing for a crime is just 6 months; the shortest sentencing in Europe. Meanwhile, France has been enforcing maximum sentences of two years and 30,000 euros since 2018. We cannot delay a change in our law any longer.
I am very grateful to the previous MP for Redcar, Anna Turley, for the work she has done in the past for helping to get the bill to this stage of debate in the House - it has certainly been a long time coming. Anna is responsible for the original introduction of the Animal Welfare Bill, following the tragic case of Baby the Bulldog, an example of a very violent abuse case against a pet. Yet, his abusers served no time in prison for their crimes.
All animals are sentient beings and they deserve our full protection and respect. This bill offers the opportunity to make the necessary improvements to our law, that would ensure all pets are given the best possible living environments throughout their lives.
I finished my debate contribution by calling on the government to bring forward this debate during government time, should this Private Members Bill fail.
You can read my full speech here: https://www.theyworkforyou.com/debates/?id=2020-10-23b.1348.0&fbclid=Iw…;
J.
