A Bill to increase the maximum sentences available to the court for specified offences related to animal cruelty; and for connected purposes.
The Animal Cruelty (Sentencing) Bill would raise the maximum penalties that courts can impose for certain animal cruelty offences and related acts. It aims to strengthen punishment to deter cruelty and better protect animals, and is currently being debated at the second reading in the House of Commons.
The bill is at the second reading in the Commons. If it advances, it will go to committee for clause-by-clause examination and then continue through Parliament.
Generated 21 February 2026
This Bill was expected to have its second reading debate on Friday 12 May 2017.
However, as a General Election has now been called and Parliament will be dissolved from 3 May 2017, the Bill falls and no further action will be taken.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
