Scottish Government considers tougher sentences for animal cruelty

Police Scotland police dog Draak, a four year old Belgian Malinois, at Fettes Police Station - Image credit: Scottish Government

The Scottish Government is considering tougher penalties for animal welfare offences and attacks on animals.

Under the government’s proposed amendments to the 2006 Animal Health and Welfare Act, the maximum sentence for the most serious cruelty would increase from 12 months to five years imprisonment or an unlimited fine.

The new increased enforcement powers would also apply to attacks on service animals such as police dogs and horses, something the Conservatives have been calling for.

This has been nicknamed ‘Finn’s Law’ after a police dog called Finn that was stabbed in Stevenage in 2016.

The changes would also allow quicker rehoming of animals removed by animal welfare inspectors, making it possible for abused or neglected animals to move to new homes immediately, rather than having potentially lengthy stays in temporary facilities.

Ministers also proposed to enable enforcement authorities to issue fixed penalty notices, which would allow animal welfare inspectors to better apply quick and proportionate punishment for offences such as missing documents.

Launching a consultation on the changes, rural affairs minister Mairi Gougeon said: “Animal welfare is a subject that I feel very passionately about so I’m delighted to be launching this consultation today.

“The Scottish Government is taking bold steps to try to further improve the welfare of our animals, and we believe the best way to do that is to challenge and change negative attitudes and behaviour.

“As such, I hope that strengthening these powers will send a strong message that such abhorrent behaviour will not be tolerated in a modern, progressive and responsible society such as Scotland.

“We want to have the highest standards of welfare for our animals, but before we introduce new legislation, it’s vital that we know what relevant stakeholders – particularly those with practical experience of animal cruelty issues.”