Petition · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Require immediate custodial sentences for animal abuse, cruelty & neglect
Open for signatures
25 signatures
What the petition asks
Require courts to impose immediate custodial sentences for anyone convicted of serious animal abuse, cruelty or neglect to ensure stronger punishment, greater deterrence and better protection for animals. We feel fines are not sufficient.
Animal abuse and severe neglect cause significant suffering, yet many offenders often receive fines, suspended sentences or relatively short bans on keeping animals. We believe these penalties do not reflect the seriousness of the offence or act as an effective deterrent. The Government should introduce mandatory custodial sentences for those convicted of serious animal abuse, cruelty or neglect, alongside appropriate lifetime bans where necessary.
Timeline
| 7 Aug 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
25
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened
7 Aug 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 8 Aug 2026.