Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the timetable is for the drafting of the legislative proposals on increasing the maximum sentence for animal cruelty to five years imprisonment; and whether the Government plans to consult with animal welfare organisations on those proposals.

As announced on 30 September, draft legislation to increase the maximum penalty for animal cruelty to five years will be published for consultation around the turn of the year. We will welcome comments from animal welfare charities who have campaigned for this change.