Introduce mandatory jail sentences& lifetime bans for animal abandonment/cruelty

Rejected 10 signatures

What the petition asks

We call on the Government to review the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act to introduce stricter mandatory minimum sentences for animal cruelty and abandonment. We also request the creation of a national database of offenders to prevent them from acquiring animals in the future.

"The current legislation is failing to protect our most vulnerable companions. We are seeing a disturbing and frequent increase in animals being tied to lampposts, fences, and trees, abandoned and left to die in the elements. This level of neglect is not just a lapse in care; it is a cruel and calculated act that causes immense suffering. By strengthening the penalties for abandonment and cruelty, we can ensure the law acts as a genuine deterrent.

Why it was rejected

There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.

You may wish to sign the following petitions, which call for similar action:

Introduce custodial minimum sentences for animal cruelty offences
Introduce custodial minimum sentences for animal cruelty offences

Create a searchable register of those convicted of serious animal cruelty
Create a searchable register of those convicted of serious animal cruelty

Stronger penalties for animal cruelty and stricter regulations on animal sales
Stronger penalties for animal cruelty and stricter regulations on animal sales

Create a national database of convicted animal abusers
Create a national database of convicted animal abusers

Timeline

17 Feb 2026	Petition opened for signatures
10 Mar 2026	Rejected by the Petitions Committee

Key facts

Signatures 10

Status Rejected

Rejected 10 Mar 2026

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