Recently I got to speak in favour of the Animal Sentencing Bill, which would increase the maximum sentence for animal cruelty from six months to five years.

We have had to wait far too long for this law, but I am incredibly pleased to see it finally making progress in Parliament. Animal cruelty is completely unacceptable, and the law needs to reflect this, with tough sentences for the very worst offenders.

During my speech I also spoke about wider issues in animal welfare, including the need for animal welfare education in schools to encourage respect for animals at an early age, and how we can’t just focus on the low-hanging fruit of ‘cute’ or domesticated animals like puppies, but also need to look at more challenging issues too, like factory-farming. All animals deserve respect and to live free from cruelty, and I hope debates will eventually reflect this!

View my speech here.