HORSFORTH and Aireborough’s MP is backing a new law to drastically increase sentences for animal cruelty.

Stuart Andrew gave his support to the Government’s draft bill to increase the maximum prison sentence for animal cruelty from six months to five years, in England and Wales.

The plans to increase maximum sentences follows a number of recent cases where courts have said they would have handed down longer sentences if they had been available. The move has been welcomed by animal welfare groups such as the RSCPA and follows a campaign by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.

Mr Andrew said: “I am fully committed to the very highest standards of animal welfare and making the United Kingdom a world leader in this field. I am pleased to see the comprehensive package of measures which have been announced and welcome longer sentences for those who carry out the shocking and repugnant abuse of animals.”