Animal lovers in Sheffield have expressed their delight as a Bill for tougher sentences for cruelty was passed in Parliament yesterday.
The new law, set for royal assent today, means those convicted of abuse offences could face up to five years in prison – an increase on the maximum six-month sentence originally set out under the 2006 Animal Welfare Act.
Locals in the city reacted to the announcement.
Chris Sherwood, CEO of the RSPCA, said: “This Act 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 stronger deterrent to potential animal abusers and will help us in our aim to cancel out animal cruelty once and for all.”