[Kate!]

Sentences for animal cruelty could rise from six months to FIVE YEARS
70 per cent of Britons supported tougher prison sentences for animal abusers
The proposed law will see an increase from the current maximum sentence of six months
Courts will be able to take a tougher approach to cases such as dog fighting, abuse of puppies and kittens, or gross neglect of farm animals
all sentences for animal cruelty could rise to five years under new legislation going before Parliament today.

The proposed law includes a significant increase from the current maximum sentence of six months.

It follows a public consultation last year, in which more than 70 per cent of Britons supported tougher prison sentences for those who abuse animals.