News

The maximum prison sentence for animal cruelty has now been raised to five years

The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act is set to cover both England and Wales.

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 30th April 2021

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.

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.

“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”.

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.

“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”.

MP Chris Loder said: “HM The Queen has signed my Bill into law.

“Those who are cruel to animals can now go to prison for 5 years. It has taken years of hard work to realise this – thank you to all involved.

The campaign for our animals continues [and] banning live exports and non-stunned slaughter next”.

You can find more information via the gov.uk website.

Featured Image – SnappyGoat

News

Ancoats bar Sammy’s closes after ‘online smear campaign’

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Ancoats bar Sammy's closes after 'online smear campaign'

A popular late-night bar in Ancoats has announced its official closure after several months of silence.

Sammy’s Bar, which was styled as a retro 70’s diner and stayed open into the early hours, has said the bar ‘is officially no longer’.

In a statement shared on the bar’s Instagram stories, founder Sammy Shonn said that there was been an ‘online smear campaign’ and has decided to sell the bar ‘for my own mental wellbeing’.

All posts on the Sammy’s Instagram feed have now been deleted.

The account, and the bar itself, will now be transferred to new owners.

Sammy’s opened in 2019 and was a popular, hidden-bar-style spot for late-night cocktails and DJs.

Their full statement reads: “It’s with regret that I inform you Sammy’s is officially no longer.

“Whilst I vehemently maintain my total innocence against all of the hurtful allegations made against me and my character in a recent online smear campaign, for my own mental wellbeing, I’ve made the difficult decision to sell the bar, along with all its associated assets, including this social media account.

“Thank you to everyone for your custom, your love and your support since 2019.

“Together we created something special. I am now transferring this account to the new owners, who I am sure will post something shortly regarding their plans.”

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Featured image: Supplied

News

A petition has been created to make Prestwich’s Oasis-inspired ‘Aldeh’ sign permanent

Danny Jones Danny Jones Make Aldeh sign in Prestwich permanent petition

We love how Greater Manchester, the UK and, indeed, the whole world have been gripped by Oasis fever – even brands like Aldi, who recently renamed one of their local shops ‘Aldeh’ in honour of Oasis and Manc accents everywhere; in fact, there’s even a petition to make it permanent.

And it’s already starting to gather some steam…

That’s right, the Aldi in Prestwich – or ‘Aldeh’ as we shall hopefully refer to it from now until forever – has seen not just local shoppers in and around Bury, but Oasis fans and even just curious Mancunians visit the location to see it for themselves.

In case this silly but oddly satisfying bit of news somehow passed you by, here it is in all its (What’s the Story?) Morning Glory:

A slightly caricatured and over-the-top impersonation of the most Gallagher-esque voice ever? Maybe. Fun to record? Definitely Maybe.

The sign itself has stood outside the branch located near Heaton Park for just over a fortnight now in honour of the Live ’25 reunion gigs and has drawn plenty of attention.

As described by the creator of the petition, Ella Curtis – a Manchester native herself – “photos of the sign went viral, because it tapped into something meaningful: pride in where we’re from, and in what this city has given the world. In short, Prestwich got its own Blue Plaque.”

Simply entitled, ‘Make “Aldeh” Permanent: A Tribute to Manchester’s Musical Legacy’, you can find a lengthy and surprisingly inspiring explanation detailing why the petition matters down below.

“1. A Tribute to Manchester’s Cultural Legacy

Manchester’s contribution to music – and to British culture more broadly – is unmatched. Oasis gave the world BritPop and helped define a generation. The ‘Aldeh’ sign reflects that heritage in a way that feels authentic, local, and proud.

2. A Source of Local Pride

As a proud Mancunian, I’ve seen the reaction firsthand. The sign has brought a real sense of community, joy, and identity to the area. People stop to take pictures, to smile, to talk. In a time when towns often struggle to feel distinctive, this simple change has sparked something genuinely positive.

3. A Cultural Landmark in the Making

In just a short time, the sign has become a local attraction and even a landmark – a destination for fans. It is a symbol and reminder of how we, as Mancunians all came together to celebrate one of the biggest reunion concerts from one of the world’s biggest bands happening right on our doorstep!

The ‘Aldeh‘ sign might have started as a temporary campaign, but it’s come to mean something more – to this city, to its people, and to anyone who recognises the power of music and place.”

Of course we’ve signed it. (Credit: Screenshot via Change.org)

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Already listed on Google as a ‘cultural landmark’, even boasting 5-star reviews, Aldi themselves have responded by saying: “Boss said we also need 10,000 likes and a comment from one of the Gallaghers.”

It’s your time to shine, folks – we’ll worry about the two later.

The ‘Aldeh’ petition page ends with a simple but moving message: “Sign if you agree – let’s make ‘Aldeh’ a lasting part of Manchester’s story.”

Listen, it’s very rare that you see a city, a country and arguably the entire world taken over by a collective obsession and unified love of music and art; with that in mind, you best believe we’re right behind this.

And if you fancy tacking the ‘Aldeh’ sign onto a tour of important Oasis heritage sights in 0161, then look no further.

14 iconic Oasis locations you need to visit in Manchester
‘As you were x’

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Featured Images — The Manc Group/Audio North

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