I believe that the current Animal Cruelty laws are severely lacking when it comes to available punishments for people who are cruel to animals.  Time and time again, animal abusers get away with horrendous acts whilst only getting a token fine (sometimes these are smaller than parking ticket fines) or community service, or some small combination of the two. 

I truly feel that animal abuse should be enforced to the same degree as child abuse, because both sets of victims are equally vulnerable and unable to defend themselves. 

If the punishment were more severe, the instances of animal abuse would be drastically diminished. I think there should be a stronger emphasis on mandatory custodial sentences for anyone convicted of offences against animals, rather than fines or (completely redundant) banning orders preventing these criminals from owning pets in the future. If someone can willingly torture a cat or dog to death, I don't think they'll pay much attention to a banning order or a fine.

There should be a ban on suspended sentences for animal abusers, and minimum mandatory three year custodial sentences.