Dear David,

I am writing about the need for tougher sentences when someone is convicted of animal cruelty. Whilst the Animal Welfare Act 2006 has now been strengthened to allow the imposition of an unlimited fine for animal cruelty, there’s a strong case for increasing sentencing capacity too. In Northern Ireland the sentence for animal cruelty offences is between two and five years, yet in the UK the maximum is currently only 6 months. As you probably know, the crimes of fly tipping and theft can receive maximum sentences of five and seven years imprisonment, so it was very welcome when the Government finally agreed to introduce five year sentences for animal cruelty.

That was some time ago though, and your statements that the delay is because of a lack of parliamentary time are rather surprising, given that for weeks now there has been barely any proper legislation brought before MPs.  We are now facing the very real potential for no prison terms for animal cruelty or fighting if the proposal to abolish six month or shorter sentences by the Ministry of Justice is taken forward without being replaced by longer sentencing.

There is widespread public and political support for tougher sentencing and it would be an extremely simple and short Bill to introduce and pass. It could be a shorter Bill even than the recent Wild Animals in Circuses (No 2) Bill that has made its way through the Commons in a month.  My constituents want you to take action on this issue urgently and for the Government to introduce a Bill to Parliament before the summer recess. I look forward to your response, which I will be sharing with them.

Best wishes,