The USPCA welcomes the proposal that will allow the PPS to challenge unduly lenient sentences

The USPCA (Ulster Society Prevention and Cruelty to Animals) today welcomes the news that the Public Prosecution Service will be able to refer “unduly lenient” animal cruelty sentences back to the Court of Appeal under proposed new powers.

This is yet another step in the right direction for Animal Welfare in Norther Ireland after an announcement by the Justice Minister David Ford in February that the Northern Ireland Assembly members voted to amend the Welfare of Animals Act to increase the maximum sentence handed down in crown court for animal cruelty crimes,

The USPCA along with other Animal Welfare organisations attended the launch of the review of the implementation of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 today at the Stormont Hotel Belfast.

The USPCA will continue to campaign for the enforcement of the Welfare of Animals Act. These are all positive announcements however The USPCA sends out a very clear message today that a fitting reward for everyone’s efforts would be more vile abusers brought before the courts.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-35672875