Lifetime ban on owning animals and prison for convictions of animal cruelty.

There are too many cases of animal cruelty going to court. In these cases animals are subjected to horrific injuries and torment, starvation, dehydration, abandonment and death. The sentences do not create enough deterrent or reflect the seriousness of the crime. The sentences handed out in most cases equate to a slap on the wrist particularly when solicitors use mental health issues as an excuse for the unacceptable behaviour.