Petition · past parliament · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Tougher sentences for animal abusers to include a lifetime ban on owning pets

Closed 474 signatures

What the petition asks

Those convicted of animal abuse or neglect shall receive tougher sentences. A compulsory lifetime ban for neglect/abuse and an unlimited fine and a maximum of 10 years imprisonment for neglect/abuse resulting in grievous bodily harm/death of an animal in their care.
The United Kingdom has a justice system which aims to protect people and property. In most cases people regard their pets as members of their family, therefore they shall be entitled to rights similar to those of humans. Tougher sentences should be implemented for those who neglect/abuse animals as animals cannot defend themselves and do not have the mental capacity to understand why they are subject to neglect/attack, this therefore makes them vulnerable.

Timeline

11 Mar 2020 Petition opened for signatures
11 Sep 2020 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 474
Status Closed
Department Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened 11 Mar 2020
Closed 11 Sep 2020

Follow this petition

Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.

Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.