People who abuse animals could now face up to five years in prison after the government introduced new sentencing rules yesterday.
Tougher prison sentences for animal cruelty are set to come into force this summer after the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill was passed into law on Thursday, meaning that the maximum prison sentence for people who abuse animals will be raised from six months to five years from 29 June 2021.
The new maximum penalty will enable courts to take a firmer approach to cases such as dog fighting, abuse of puppies and kittens, illegally cropping a dog’s ears and gross neglect of farm animals, and as well as a prison sentence – with the more stringent sentences set to be some of the toughest in Europe – offenders can also receive an unlimited fine.
The government said in a statement yesterday that the act will help ensure courts are able to enforce extended penalties for those who cruelly mistreat any animal, sending a clear message that “animal cruelty will not be tolerated”.
The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act is set to cover both England and Wales.
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❗ 🙌 Huge mews! 🐾⚖ Today the House of Lords completed the Third and Final Reading for #AnimalCrueltySentencing and the Bill is now set to become law, after years of campaigning! It should reach Royal Assent this week – paws crossed, everyone 🤞 #AnimalsDeserveJusticepic.twitter.com/neYxoubs4j
— RSPCA (England & Wales) (@RSPCA_official) April 28, 2021
Over the last three years, the RSPCA has secured 4,103 convictions in the courts in England and Wales and 156 individuals received immediate prison terms.
Speaking on the passing of the new bill, Chris Sherwood – Chief Executive at RSPCA – said: “This act is a huge step forward for animal welfare in the UK and we’re delighted that justice will now be served for animals.
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“Tougher sentences will act as a stronger deterrent to potential animal abusers and will help us in our aim to cancel out animal cruelty once and for all”.
— RSPCA (England & Wales) (@RSPCA_official) April 29, 2021
He added: “This reform is long overdue.
“For many years, the most violent and horrific abuse and cruelty received a maximum penalty of just a few months [so] we’re proud to have some of the best standards of animal welfare in the world, but custodial sentences have long been letting us down.
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“Every year, our officers are faced with cases of the most unimaginable cruelty – animals beaten, stabbed, shot and burned, unwanted or elderly pets being drowned, wild animals shot with crossbows or set on fire, gangs forcing cockerels to fight to the death and breeders cutting off puppies’ ears to make them look tough.
“Since the bill was introduced, animals have been starved, shot, stabbed, beaten to death and drowned [but] at least now, in those cases that leave us heartbroken, our courts will be able to hand out sentences that truly reflect the severity of the crimes”.
My Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act is now law! Those who are cruel to animals can now go to prison for five years. We did it! #AnimalsDeserveJustice
A Christmas train in Wigan has been delivering donated toys galore
Thomas Melia
Yuletide wishes have come true as a donation of toys and goodies have been delivered via a Christmas train in Wigan, right in time for the big day.
The Amazon toy train, which is a new initiative running this festive season, is dropping off presents from now right up until Christmas day itself.
Already visiting Wigan earlier this month, the locomotive has its sites set on three more stops including London, Swansea and Scotland as it makes its journey across three nations.
In partnership with Multibank’s Brick-by-Brick project, the train hopes to provide and offer gifts to families in need across the UK with Wigan marking the closest stop off in Greater Manchester.
Credit: Lee Boswell (supplied)
All the toys that are being transported across the country in this Amazon-fronted train are featured on the company’s ‘Top Ten Toys 2024’ list.
Hatchimals, Screamerz and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza were some of the exciting gifts found on the Christmas train in Wigan at the start of this month.
This lighthearted and fun-filled Christmas-themed project is kitted out with toys from top brands like Play-Doh and the brickmasters themselves, LEGO Star Wars.
So far, Multibank has helped over 400,000 families and provided three million essential items across their operations in England, Scotland and Wales since launching in 2022.
This collaborative local project doesn’t just operate at Christmastime either: Brick-to-Brick Multibank run all year round collecting surplus business requirements like furniture, hot water bottles and hygiene products to be used by those less fortunate.
The Christmas train in Wigan filled with Amazon’s top toys.The Wigan toy train features some well known brands.Credit: Supplied
This roster of children’s favourite companions and interactive games is inspired by the consumers themselves. Every toy is related to or the exact match of what Amazon customers have been searching for the most. A real Christmas list come true.
The list of the top toys isn’t extortionate either, offering customers some affordable and still as fascinating options with prices starting from £9.99.
Even old-school classics like Play-Doh have a spot on this wish list. This poses the really big question: where’s the adult version?
You may have finished your Christmas shopping not too long ago or might still be looking for inspiration, browse the top-ranked teddies and more HERE.
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford, as police hunt ‘answers’
Daisy Jackson
Floral tributes have begun to pile up outside the Salford park where the remains of a baby were found earlier this week.
The child, who is being called Baby A, was discovered near Ashtons Field on Wednesday 20 November.
Their identity is not yet known, and police are trying to determine ‘who this baby could be, how long they have been here, and how they have sadly died’.
In an update shared last night, GMP said their investigation was continuing and the force will do ‘everything we can to get answers’.
They also shared images of cuddly toys, flowers and letters that have been left at the snowy scene by officers and by the local community.
In the latest update, GMP said: “Our investigation continues after the remains of a young baby were tragically found in Little Hulton yesterday.
“The thoughts of everyone at Greater Manchester Police are with Baby A, and we will do everything we can to get answers.
“We would like to thank the community for their tributes to Baby A and their support and compassion at this time. We are truly grateful.”
Floral tributes laid for Baby A after remains found in Salford. Credit: GMP
GMP are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward so they can ‘find answers for this baby’.
Chief Superintendent Neil Blackwood said: “Even the most minor detail could be crucial to our investigation. If you have seen anyone in the area over the last few days, or know who the parents could be, please call us as soon as you can.
“As soon as we are in a position to confirm further details about the circumstances, we will do so.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 1319 of 20/11/24. If you would prefer to remain anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Emily Sergeant -
30th April 2021 
