Battersea Dogs and Cats Home are calling for an increase in the maximum sentencing for animal cruelty to be raised from six months to five years.
The campaign was launched back in February 2017 and has been gaining support of MPs, celebrities, and the general public. It has nearly reached its goal of 75,000 supporters – which Battersea believe is enough to prove public support to the Government and get the law changed. But Battersea are keen to point out that there is no number of signatures that can force the a change in the law, so the more people who sign up, the more pressure there will be on the Government to take action.
The campaign begun out of frustration at the lenient sentences handed to those found guilty of even the most severe animal abuses. Currently the UK has the lowest maximum prison sentences for animal cruelty in Europe, the United States and Australia. In contrast, fly-tipping carries a maximum sentence of five years.
Over 80 MPs have already signed-up and as well needing the public’s backing, Battersea are urging everyone to directly contact their local MP to further generate support. You can do this by following this link.
Support from prominent members of the Government have already helped the campaign gain traction in Parliament, including MPs Diane Abbott and Tim Farron. Michael Gove has also showed support for stiffer sentences, saying: “...there are particular cases of animal cruelty where we may well need to revisit the existing criminal sanctions in order to ensure that the very worst behaviour is dealt with, with the full force of the law.”
Hashtag #NotFunny is also helping to generate support on Twitter and other social media outlets following the backing of a number of comedians including Ricky Gervais, Paul O’Grady, Sue Perkins, Tracey Ullman and Harry Hill.
You can sign-up and show your support at notfunny.battersea.org.uk
