12th March 2021
Progress on a bill to introduce tougher punishments for animal abusers was almost ‘timed out’ after Christopher Chope and Philip Davies talked for more than two hours in an earlier debate.
A bill to introduce tougher punishments for animal abusers has passed a Commons hurdle – despite being put in jeopardy by Tory MPs talking for hours.
The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill would increase the maximum sentence for animal cruelty offences 10-fold from six months in prison to five years.
The proposed legislation cleared the House of Commons after receiving an unopposed third reading from MPs.
But time almost ran out to pass the bill before the 2.30pm Commons deadline after an apparent ‘filibuster’ by two notorious Tory MPs.
On Fridays MPs debate Private Members’ Bills – and there are no time limits on individual speeches.
But there is a strict cut off at 2.30pm – and any bill not passed before then could be delayed by months until there’s another opportunity to debate it.
Tory MP Christopher Chope spoke for almost an hour and a half about amendments to the first bill on the list, a proposal to make school uniforms more affordable.
Another backbench Tory Philip Davies spoke for 44 minutes, said scrapping VAT on all school uniform items would be a “ Brexit dividend” for parents and get rid of a “stealth tax”.
Both MPs have admitted to regularly giving long speeches in the Commons to “talk out” bills they don’t like.
The Animal Welfare proposal was one of seven backbench Bills to clear the House of Commons on Friday, with the first one taking more than three hours and the other six being dealt with in 75 minutes.
Labour MP Luke Pollard said: “Cruelty to animals has gone up during the pandemic and urgent action is needed. Increasing maximum sentences from six months to five years for animal cruelty is a no-brainer. A stronger deterrent would save countless animals from cruelty at the hands of their owners.
“This Bill has the support of MPs from all sides and the animal welfare charities – but this is now the fifth time it’s nearly failed to pass. Years after it was first proposed it still is not law and it is not over yet.
“It still needs to pass the House of Lords and time is running out. The government has wasted too much time already, it needs to get a grip and get this over the line.”
Cats Protection’s Senior Advocacy & Government Relations Officer Madison Rogers said: “Every week Cats Protection hears of stories where cats and other animals have been subjected to horrific cruelty.
“Our society takes animal welfare very seriously and will not tolerate the abuse of defenceless animals.
“The UK Government needs to ensure the Animal Cruelty Bill passes swiftly through its remaining stages to ensure there are higher custodial sentences for those committing the most appalling acts of cruelty against animals.
“This will ensure the UK is one of the world leaders on animal welfare issues.”
The proposed legislation cleared the House of Commons after receiving an unopposed third reading from MPs.
It will now appear before the House of Lords to undergo further scrutiny.
Conservative Chris Loder (West Dorset), who introduced the Bill, previously explained he was inspired to seek tougher punishments after a mistreated dog he found abandoned by a road became his family’s treasured pet.
He said in a statement: “Today we are one step closer to tougher sentencing for animal cruelty.
“I am delighted that my Bill has finished its passage through the House of Commons and now goes to the House of Lords.
“This small, but important, change in law will help protect animals across the country. We are renowned as a nation of animal lovers and there is overwhelming public support for this Bill.”
The Government also supports the Bill, boosting its chances of becoming law.
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/animal-cruelty-bill-passed-mps-23702396
It certainly is time we had tougher laws for animal cruelty 5 years would be good as long as they serve the full time personally 10 years would be better and then only released on licence and made to do unpaid work like cleaning the streets. While this being discussed so should the total ban on hunting and shooting. WHHY the hell the human race have to be so cruel to innocent animals is beyond me. We should all be able to live without being cruel to animals and each other but the human race is sick and some have to always murder or torture what a vile world we live in I am glad I am my age as I had a great childhood we were safe in those days. This world needs a good clear out.