Sinn Féin Mourne’s Councillor Willie Clarke has welcomed new powers to strengthen animal cruelty legislation in the North of Ireland.
Cllr Clarke said: “Few people will forget the images of the pet dog, ‘Fergie’ from Newcastle, who was horrifically scared after an obnoxious substance was thrown on him. This incident along with many such horrific incidents, rightly prompted calls for tougher powers to deal with those who abuse animals.
“The new powers contained in the Justice Bill will see the maximum sentences handed down from the Crown Court for animal cruelty increase from two years to five years. It also includes the doubling of the maximum prison sentence for anyone found guilty of causing unnecessary suffering, or organising or attending animal fights from six months to 12 months, as well as increasing fines to up to £20,000.
“These powers will strengthen our existing animal safety regulations implemented by DARD Minister Michelle O’Neill.
“Sinn Féin will work with the Justice Minister to ensure the out workings of these new powers are implemented so that animal cruelty can be ended.”
