TWO NORTH East MPs have spoken in favour of a new law for those who abuse animals.
An animal welfare bill that seeks to impose new £5,000 on-the-spot fines for those who harm animals was given its third reading by the House of Commons and is now being scrutinised in the House of Lords.
On Friday February 4, the Animal (Penalty Notices) Bill was given its third reading by the House of Commons, passing without amendment.
The fines will be given to individuals who commit animal health and welfare offences against pets, zoo animals or livestock.
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Those found to be responsible for abusing animals can currently either receive warnings or be taken to court and prosecuted.
This can take months or even years and carry significant costs to the authorities in pursuing cases.
Conservative MP for Stockton South, Matt Vickers, who has previously campaigned for action to tackle pet theft and supported extending prison sentences for those who commit serious harm to animals, has been an avid supporter of the Bill.
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Speaking in the debate earlier this month he said: “We are a nation of animal lovers and we need rapid and heavy sanctions to tackle those who would do our animals harm. It’s unbelievable that these measures have never been in place before now.
“In recent times we’ve seen huge progress in delivering justice for animals and ensuring that we have the highest animal welfare standards in the world.
“‘Loder’s Law’ means those who harm animals can now be sentenced to a maximum of 5 years instead of the previous 6 months and the new Pet Abduction offence will ensure the sick and depraved individuals who steal beloved family members will get a sentence to match the crime.
“We must ensure the law gives our furry friends the protection they rightly deserve.”
Likewise, Labour MP for Stockton North, Alex Cunningham said: “As a pet owner myself, I was pleased that this Bill passed its Third Reading in the Commons as a result of cross-party support.
“The Animal (Penalty Notice) Bill strengthens existing legislation such as the ground-breaking Animal Welfare Act 2006 passed by the last Labour Government and will give enforcement authorities more active powers such as fixed penalty notices to ensure our pets, farm and zoo animals are properly looked after and cared for.
“Many of my constituents have been in touch about animal welfare asking me to get behind the proposed measures and will be pleased with the outcome.”
This comes as last week West Ham United player, Kurt Zouma had his two cats seized by the RSPCA following video footage on social media of him physically abusing his pets.
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