#NotFunny FAQs

Why is Battersea campaigning for longer sentences for animal cruelty offences?

Battersea believes that animal cruelty is a serious crime, with serious consequences, and Courts should be able to reflect this in sentencing.

Battersea sees shocking cases of cruelty and neglect where dogs and cats come into our care having been put through unimaginable suffering. These animals may face months of veterinary treatment and unfortunately sometimes do not make it. However, even if their abuser is brought to justice and charged with animal cruelty offences, the maximum sentence they can receive is just six months in prison in England and Wales. Battersea believes this is wholly inadequate, so in February 2017 launched a campaign to increase the maximum sentence to five years.

We are delighted that the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill has been introduced in Parliament, and we are working with MPs across Westminster to ensure that the Bill becomes law as soon as possible.

What progress have you made since this campaign began?

The Government in Westminster pledged to support five-year sentences for animal cruelty in 2017, not long after Battersea launched the campaign. However, a first attempt to progress this was complicated by other animal welfare debates relating to Brexit. A Bill targeted solely on increasing sentences for animal cruelty to five years was first introduced in Westminster in June 2019, but prorogation in October and the General Election in December of that year slowed its progress. The current Bill was introduced as a Private Member’s Bill in February 2020 but made slow progress until its Second Reading in October 2020, and a Committee Stage hearing in February 2021. In contrast, Scotland introduced legislation to increase maximum sentences to five years in October 2019 as part of a wider Bill to improve animal welfare. The Bill was debated and passed into law in Scotland in the summer of 2020.

How does Battersea fight against animal cruelty?

When an animal is brought into Battersea showing signs that it has experienced cruelty, our primary consideration is what happens to the animal next. Battersea aims to take in any dog or cat regardless of their age, breed, or medical condition. We will, and do, care for animals who have suffered unimaginable medical and psychological damage and try to find them a better future.

Any animal who comes through our gates is cared for and treated by our highly experienced veterinary team. Many animals are fostered by our staff to make sure they receive all the love and round-the-clock attention they need. All our medical decisions are made in the very best interests of our animals and we will do everything we can to give them a second chance in life.

If we believe that the animal has been the victim of cruelty and know or suspect where this took place, then we would report the case to the RSPCA.

Five years isn’t enough – can you campaign for more?

We’ve researched maximum sentences in other countries and we believe that five years is an appropriate penalty. Whilst we have plenty of sympathy with people who may feel it should be higher, we believe that this is proportionate and in line with other criminal offences. Five years in prison would be both a significant punishment and a deterrent in the worst cases, neither of which is the case for the current maximum sentence.

I live in Scotland, how does this campaign affect me?

The Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill, which will increase the maximum sentences for animal cruelty from one to five-years in Scotland, was passed into law by MSPs in the summer of 2020 and came into force later that year.

Why are you only talking about England and Wales?

Northern Ireland already has a five-year maximum custodial sentence, with Scotland following suit in 2020. We want England and Wales to do the same as soon as is possible.

What was the result of your campaign about backstreet breeding?

The Government agreed with the Battersea campaign, and in partnership with other charities we worked together to change the law in 2018. This will make life better for many puppies and their mothers. A further amendment to this law came into force in April 2020, cracking down on unscrupulous puppy dealers and puppy farmers.

With your support, we can make a big difference here too, and start giving animals the protection they deserve.

What should I do if I think someone is being cruel to an animal?

In England and Wales, if you suspect cruelty to an animal, or group of animals, then you should contact RSPCA’s cruelty line on 0300 1234 999 or visit RSPCA’s online contact page and provide as much detail as you can.

In Scotland, please call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.