USPCA Receives Cross-Party Support for Launch of Animal Welfare Sentencing Review

USPCA Receives Cross-Party Support for Launch of Animal Welfare Sentencing Review

The Ulster Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) has today launched a report calling for a review of animal welfare sentencing in Northern Ireland.

The Case for Change report outlines key changes to sentencing guidance in recent years in England and Wales and calls for an update to current guidance for courts in Northern Ireland. The USPCA believes this will help protect the most vulnerable animals in our society and reduce offending.

USPCA Chief Executive Nora Smith said,

"Animals experience positive and negative feelings such as pleasure, joy, pain, and distress, as recognised in the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act 2022. Despite this, animals continue to suffer unnecessary and horrific cruelty. 

"In Northern Ireland, thousands of animal welfare issues are reported every year, with 5,916 reported in 2021 and 6,691 in 2022 to local councils alone.

"Sentencing is a complex and nuanced process; however, in England and Wales, guidelines have been updated regularly. Northern Ireland is lagging behind and needs to reform its approach to animal welfare offences.

We were delighted to receive cross-party support for the report's launch, and we look forward to working with all parties and the All-Party Group on Animal Welfare to take forward the recommendations."

Chair of the All-Party Group on Animal Welfare, John Blair MLA, said,

"The All-Party Group welcomes the launch of this report and fully supports the recommendations from the USPCA. For too long, we have seen those responsible for some of the cruellest acts of animal welfare offences receiving sentences that do not match the crime. The All-Party Group looks forward to working with the USPCA and others to start the process of updating our sentencing guidance."

Vice Chair of the All-Party Group on Animal Welfare, Robbie Butler MLA, added,

"It is crucial that our laws reflect the seriousness of animal welfare offences. By updating our sentencing guidance, we send a clear message that cruelty to animals will not be tolerated. I commend the USPCA for their leadership in this important piece of research."

The report contains eight recommendations aimed at strengthening sentencing guidance on animal welfare offences and ensuring that those responsible for this cruelty receive fitting sentences that reflect that seriousness of their actions.

Read the report in full here - Animal Welfare Sentencing in NI: The Case for Change