Today, I am delighted to announce that my Animals (Penalty Notices) Bill became law after receiving Royal Assent from Her Majesty The Queen.
Individuals who commit offences against animals will now face fines of up to £5,000.
This new Act of Parliament will enable fines to be introduced to ensure that offenders face tougher penalties for crimes in addition to the existing maximum 5-year prison sentence for the most serious offences.
This is absolutely the right step forward to ensure that our legislation protecting animals is the strongest anywhere in the world. It has been an honour to work with animal welfare charities including the R.S.P.C.A. and the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, in ensuring the Bill strikes the right balance in closing the gap between the worst offences and those which receive no punishment.
I look forward to working with colleagues and the Government to strengthen our protection of animals further.
