IT’S time to get tougher with people convicted of animal cruelty – that’s the verdict of Meriden MP Saqib Bhatti.
Mr Bhatti has given his full backing to a Private Members’ Bill in Parliament to increase the maximum prison sentence that can be given for animal cruelty from the current six months to five years.
If passed this will place the UK amongst the leading nations of the world for the maximum prison sentence for animal cruelty.
The Bill has the working title of being the second part of Finn’s Law.
Finn is the brave police service dog who was stabbed in the chest and head in the line of duty.
Mr Bhatti said: “We are a nation of animal lovers.
“I am proud to have the opportunity to play my part to get the second part of Finn’s Law through this House.
“A number of my constituents emailed me asking me to support this Bill, and I am proud to be able to do so.”
He also spoke about the lasting impact abuse can have on animals.
After describing a horrific animal cruelty story about a dog named Archie – who had his back broken by his owner – Mr Bhatti added: “I think you will agree that if this was done to a human being that they would be feeling the full force of the law.”
