Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me about animal sentience and the #Betterdealforanimals campaign.
It is clear that animals are sentient beings who can feel pain and suffering, and I would like to reassure you that strong action is being taken to reduce their risk of harm.
The UK Government is committed to making any necessary changes to the law in a rigorous and comprehensive way to ensure animal sentience is legally recognised after Brexit. However, it is down to the Scottish Government to recognise this formally in Scottish regulation, and to decide whether to regard the welfare needs of animals when formulating and implementing government policy.
Unfortunately, it appears Scotland risked falling behind when it comes to the protection of animals. With among the lowest animal cruelty sentences in Europe, there has been very little deterrent. I believe Scotland must at least match the five-year maximum term being legislated for in England and go further when it comes to education and tackling problems like illegal puppy farming.
After my colleagues in the Scottish Parliament warned they would use the opposition majority to change legislation, the Scottish Government announced a consultation on animal welfare. The public response to this consultation demonstrated overwhelming support for an increase in the maximum sentence for animal cruelty offences, and the resulting Animals and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Bill became law in July. It includes the maximum 5-year sentence we have called for.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
Kind regards, Alister