Romford MP says penalty notices are the next step to tackle animal abuse

Andrew Rosindell says penalty notices are simple measures with a big impact (Credit: Andrew Rosindell)

Andrew Rosindell has claimed his new bill will make the UK “world leaders” in animal health and welfare. 

The Romford MP will give a speech today calling penalty notices “the next step in establishing the UK as a world leader in animal health and welfare” as part of the second reading of his Private Members’ Bill.

It will introduce penalties of up to £5,000 for a wide range of offences under the Animal Health Act 1981 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006. 

In order for a bill to become law, it must go through the House of Commons and the House of Lords before being approved by the Queen. 

Mr Rosindell was keen to stress the most severe crimes will still result in criminal prosecution if it is the most appropriate course of action. 

The bill has been backed by Zak Goldsmith, the Government Minister for Animal Welfare, who said fines would be an important deterrent. 

Mr Rosindell said: “Chris Loder’s Private Members’ Bill was a historic measure to beef up our animal health and welfare legislation increasing the maximum prison sentences to five years for the most heinous acts against animals.

“However, there remains a gap in our enforcement of animal health and welfare legislation, as authorities have no bespoke tool to respond appropriately to each transgression. Penalty notices are a simple measure with a big impact.

“My Bill will create quick and efficient fines of up to £5,000 to be issued to offenders, further showing that the England after Brexit will be a world leader in animal welfare.”

The bill has been welcomed by a number of key organisations across the farming, companion animal, and zoo and aquarium industries.

RSPCA Head of Public Affairs and Campaigns, David Bowles, said: “The RSPCA welcomes the introduction of the Animals (Penalty Notices) Bill.

“By expanding the range of animal offences that enforcement agencies can use Fixed Penalty Notices for, it will provide a new and quicker way to enforce some of the most widely used animal welfare laws – and so has the potential to make a real difference for animal welfare in England.”

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