Welsh Conservatives have again called on the Labour Government to use the powers at its disposal and extend the maximum sentence for animal cruelty following further pressure from RSPCA Cymru.
RSPCA Cymru has long campaigned for an increase to the maximum sentence available for those convicted of animal abuse and have warned Wales risks treating animal cruelty as a far less serious offence, compared to neighbouring England.
On Tuesday, in First Minister’s Questions, Welsh Conservatives called on the First Minister to act immediately and exercise devolved powers to replicate moves taken by the Conservatives and Michael Gove in England to increase the punishment for animal cruelty from six months imprisonment to five years. In response, Carwyn Jones, pledged to write to Andrew RT Davies outlining the steps his government would take.
Following this latest intervention from RSPCA Cymru, Welsh Conservative shadow rural affairs secretary, Paul Davies AM, has called on Welsh Labour-led Government to act immediately.
He said:
“This latest intervention from RSPCA Cymru adds to the feeling Wales should be leading the way on animal cruelty and the Welsh Government must act immediately to ensure we are not perceived as a soft touch on this ghastly crime.
“Every other country in the United Kingdom has committed to getting tough on animal cruelty but the Labour-led administration has been half-asleep on the issue and it must wake up and use the powers at its disposal.
“The latest figures from the RSPCA demonstrate Wales has an increasing problem with animal cruelty and tough sentencing will deter the perpetrators of these hideous crimes against defenceless animals.
“By extending the maximum sentence to five years, Welsh Government would be sending a clear message to those who purposefully harm animals for profit or fun that there is no place in this society for such cruel behaviour.”
