(5 years, 7 months ago)
Commons ChamberThe Government will introduce the necessary legislation to increase the maximum penalty for animal cruelty from six months’ imprisonment to five years’ imprisonment as soon as parliamentary time allows.
Can the Minister confirm whether any DEFRA Minister, including the Secretary of State, has had any discussions on five-year sentencing with either the Leader of the House or the Chief Whip in order to secure parliamentary time for this measure?
A very active dialogue is going on to determine the right vehicle, involving the usual channels within the House; those conversations have taken place.