MP calls for tougher animal cruelty sentences following spate of attacks
Redcar MP Anna Turley has tabled a Private Members Bill to toughen up the sentencing for animal cruelty crimes.
There's calls for tougher action on animal abusers, after a spate of horrific attacks across Teesside and County Durham.
Redcar MP Anna Turley has tabled a Private Members Bill, which will have its second reading in February.
She's working with the police, the RSPCA and the Dogs Trust to raise awareness about sentencing around animal cruelty.
She took up the cause after a case in Redcar, in which a bulldog puppy called Baby died after being stamped on and thrown down the stairs by two brothers.
Andrew and Daniel Frankish avoided jail after the incident, instead being electronically tagged.
The Animal Welfare Act currently has a maximum sentence of just one year for such vicious attacks, meaning many convicted only serve six months.
This week alone, there has at least five animals injured after being attacked by humans.
One dog in Redcar was found buried alive with a nail through its head.
Anna says the punishment must fit the crime.
She said: "Cruelty against animals is often a forerunner of cruelty against human beings.
"People who've undertaken cruelty and abuse of animals are far more likely to do so to human beings, so I'm worried that these are indicators of some serious problems happening in our society.
"The law is failing. We need to send out a positive message that our communities find this abhorrent and that the law will come to terms with anyone who undertakes an act of cruelty like this."