We're calling on the UK Government to increase the maximum sentence for convictions under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

Why we're asking for stronger sentencing:

We believe that a punishment should reflect the crime. Here is what we believe:

• Any offence of cruelty against animals should reflect those of cruelty against children.
• Any custodial sentence term of up to six months does not reflect the crime. Only in a small minority of cases does the court even impose any custodial sentence.
• The punishment must reflect the serious nature and deter re-offending.
• Reclassify all summary offences under the Animal Welfare Act as triable either way offences.
• A central register maintained by an animal welfare organisation to keep animals out of the hands of abusers. The information should be shared with other organisations, local authorities, government departments, and the police.

Please sign this petition today. We urgently need to increase the penalty for those who are convicted of offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.