NEW legislation introducing tougher sentencing for animal abusers has been welcomed as a “huge step forward”.

Under the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, offenders could be jailed for up to five years.

Currently, anyone convicted under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 faces a maximum prison sentence of six months.

Keighley MP Robbie Moore welcomes the Bill, which has completed all its stages through parliament and received royal assent. It is expected to come into force next month.

“This world-leading legislation is a huge step forward in the enhancement of animal welfare,” said Mr Moore.

“All animals should be subject to the highest possible welfare standards.

“We are a nation of animal lovers and this Bill sends out a clear message that cruelty against animals will not be tolerated.

“The new, maximum five-year sentence will be one of the toughest punishments in Europe and will strengthen the UK’s position as a global leader on animal welfare.”

The RSPCA and other animal welfare organisations have been campaigning for years for tougher sentencing.

Chris Sherwood, of the RSPCA, said: “This law is a huge step forward for animal welfare in the UK and we’re delighted that justice will now be served for animals.

“Tougher sentences will act as a deterrent to potential animal abusers and will help us in our aim to stamp out animal cruelty once and for all.

“Every year our officers are faced with cases of the most unimaginable cruelty – animals beaten, stabbed, shot and burned; unwanted or elderly pets being drowned; wild animals shot with crossbows or set on fire; gangs forcing cockerels to fight to the death, and breeders cutting-off puppies’ ears to make them look tough.

“Since this Bill was introduced animals have been starved, shot, stabbed, beaten to death and drowned. At least now, in those cases that leave us heartbroken, our courts will be able to hand out sentences that truly reflect the severity of the crimes.

“We’re proud that the UK has some of the best animal welfare standards around, which is only fitting for a nation of animal lovers.”

The new law brings England and Wales in line with Scotland and Northern Ireland, where convicted animal abusers already face up to five years in jail.

For more about the new law, visit rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/sentencing.