After years of campaigning, I was glad that, last year, the Government finally agreed to introduce the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021. This Act increased the maximum penalty for animal welfare offences committed against domestic animals from 6 months to 5 years.

However, as a constituent highlighted in an email to me, this increased penalty does not apply to crimes against badgers, because they are not domestic animals. This includes badger baiting; in such cases, cruelty to the dog involved could result in up to 5 years in prison, but cruelty to the badger could only result in 6 months.

I believe that this double standard should be removed, with the sentencing for crimes against badgers brought into line with the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021.

I have therefore written to George Eustice, the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and raised this double standard with him. I have posted a copy of this
letter below for you to see.