Maggies Law

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Nailed

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I have just the second come in from work, which all in all hasnt been a bad day. Only to find an email from epetition with the response the the petition Maggies Law.

I am quiet disgusted with the response, which in my eyes is suggesting that people physically harm and abuse animals deserve a maximum sentence of a pitiful 6 months or a maximum fine of 20,000.

Im disgusted. sorry just wanted a whinge =o(

Lou x
 
I know, I got one too.
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Yep I will whinge as well
They totally missed the point other than saying sentences are always under review
There are far too many of these attacks on horses and it is well known that people who abuse animals are likely to also abuse children.
 
I too was disgusted with the response : -

Thank you for your e-petition asking for the above change in the law concerning equine crime. The Government would like to highlight the following points in response:

Within the broad statutory framework decided by Parliament, sentences in individual cases are for the courts to decide, taking into account all the details of the offence and the offender, together with any aggravating or mitigating circumstances and any sentencing guidelines. The independence of the judiciary is an important principle of our criminal justice system, and so it would not be appropriate for Government Ministers to interfere in their decision-making.

To inflict unnecessary suffering on an animal, whether it is a pet or not, is abhorrent and is an offence by law. The Government’s abhorrence of such cruelty to animals was one of the reasons why it recently updated the legislation relating to the welfare of animals. Under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, it is an offence either to cause unnecessary suffering to an animal, or to fail to provide for the welfare needs of an animal, under the control of man, with a maximum sentence of 6 months’ imprisonment or a £20,000 fine, or both. The Government does keep penalties under review.

Broadly speaking, whether an offence is tried in the Crown Court or in a magistrates’ court depends on the likely sentence. It is only the most serious of offences, such as murder or rape, that are triable only in the Crown Court.
 
We are meant to be a nation of 'animal lovers' and yet we have pitiful sanctions for those who commit crimes against animals.
America have realised that animal abuse can quite often lead to humans - a really high percentage of killers have first committed animal abuse. In America lots of states have a 'Felony' charge - most states send people to prison for one to two years for convicted animal abuse, Washington have a maximum of 5 years and Louisiana have a maximum of 10! I don't like much American policy, but this is one area where their policy is far and away better than ours.
 
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