A new law in the UK will punish the worst cases of animal abuse with jail time of up to five years.

Environment secretary Michael Gove announced the new legislation which will increase the current longest sentence for abuse, which stands at only six months.

Farmers guilty of gross neglect would be served the maximum sentence under the law, along with animal and kitten abuse and for dog fighting.

In recent years there have been many high profile cases in which judges have stated a desire to hand down harsher sentences than the maximum sixth month punishment, but have been unable to by law.

A public consultation found 70% of UK respondents supported harsher sentences for animal abusers.

Claire Horton, chief executive of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, told the BBC the new bill would make a ‘profound difference’.

“We, and many other rescue centres, see shocking cases of cruelty and neglect come through our gates and there are many more animals that are dumped and don’t even make it off the streets,” she said.

• Read: 25 pictures of Chernobyl’s stray dogs in need of rescue

What do you think of the new jail terms for animal abusers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Oli Gross

Oli’s career and personal ethical values both help shape his reporting of the diverse world of veganism. His background is in local newspaper and magazine journalism, and his work has included reporting court cases, celebrity interviews, business analysis, food and drink features and government legislation.

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