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Petition · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Stronger penalties for animal cruelty and stricter regulations on animal sales

Closed 343 signatures

What the petition asks

Every year, countless animals suffer at the hands of people who intentionally harm, neglect, or kill them. While the Animal Welfare Act increased maximum penalties in England and Wales, we think too many offenders still face minimal consequences — sending the message that animal lives don’t matter.
Animals suffer due to weak penalties. Temporary bans aren’t enough— we believe anyone who has harmed an animal should never be allowed to own one. We urge Parliament to enforce harsher minimum sentences, mandatory background checks for buyers/adopters, and ban social media sales. Stronger laws will protect animals, promote responsible ownership, and ensure abusers face real consequences. Protect animals. Stop abusers. Make cruelty unforgivable.

Timeline

14 Nov 2025 Petition opened for signatures
14 May 2026 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 343
Status Closed
Department Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened 14 Nov 2025
Closed 14 May 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 5 Aug 2026.