Following writing a piece on Serbia's forgotten dogs Ralph had the opportunity to interview a young bearded collie called Alfie who, along with some friends started a campaign to help to raise awareness of the current law in the UK regarding animal abuse, neglect & murder and how the sentences are not being used to the maximum. Too often minimum fines are given to people who inflict the most disgusting abuse and harm to our animals.
Click here to sign the petition
I asked Alfie what had inspired him.....
"Paws for thought Alfie's Law came about from an idea I had with a few of my wonderful friends after reading some dreadful stories of abuse inflicted on animals. Most of them too horrific to even mention."
And how would the campaign have an impact?
"This campaign will help to raise awareness of the current law in the UK regarding animal abuse, neglect & murder and how the sentences are not being used to the maximum. Too often minimum fines are given to people who inflict the most disgusting abuse and harm to our animals."
So what's the current situation in this country?
"Within the UK Judicial System, sentencing guidelines are set by the Sentencing Council and they provide detailed guidance to Magistrates Courts across the UK. These guidelines state that offences of Animal Cruelty (as described in the Animal Welfare Act 2006) is triable only summarily (cannot go to Crown Court) and carry a maximum penalty of £20,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment)."
"Within the UK Judicial System, sentencing guidelines are set by the Sentencing Council and they provide detailed guidance to Magistrates Courts across the UK. These guidelines state that offences of Animal Cruelty (as described in the Animal Welfare Act 2006) is triable only summarily (cannot go to Crown Court) and carry a maximum penalty of £20,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment)."
Then surely that's a deterrent isn't it?
" No, not really as It is highly unlikely that anyone would receive the maximum sentence and usually dis- proportionate fines are imposed."
So what are the aims of Alphie's Law?
"We'd like to see a zero tolerance on animal abuse as there is absolutely no excuse for it."
"Also we would also like to see sentencing increased to a maximum of 2 years custodial and a lifetime ban for persistent or serious offenders."
"Finally we'd like to see animal protection agencies (such as the RSPCA) become part of the Criminal Justice System under the stewardship of the Crown Prosecution Service."
"They can then continue to undertake prosecutions within the law but will not have to pay the prosecution costs. This would allow them financially to provide better training, recruit more inspectors & support re-homing centres with the money they receive in donations from the public."
So how can we help?
"Everyone can help by supporting the campaign, spreading the word, especially on Twitter and Facebook where you can follow me and of course signing the petition."
So there you are animal lovers.....help Alfie's Law by signing the petition now.....it needs 100,000 signatures! Surely with the viral potential of Twitter and Facebook we can get Alphie's petition past the 100,000 mark soon.....
Status Update: 3rd Jan 18:00
25,395 signatures!.
Petition Status: LIVE (day 217)
Please remember to check for a confirmation e mail or your signature will not be counted
