So today is a really significant day for animal welfare
as we welcome the introduction of new legislation
that brings with it the prospect of tougher sentences
for the most serious animal cruelty
offences in this country
the prospect of those responsible facing up to
five years in prison
Battersea started this campaign back in 2017
since then we've received so much
support from members of the public
but also from animal welfare organisations
and from parliamentarians of all parties
We're really pleased with the progress that the Bill
has made through parliament this has been the end
of a really long campaigning journey
and we've known that this issue
tougher sentences for acts of animal cruelty
has had support from MPs from all sides of the house
and from peers from all different parties as well
and most importantly perhaps I think nearly 80 000
Battersea supporters have offered their support to the
campaign over the four years
so it's a really pleasing moment
and we'd just like to say a huge thank you
to everyone that has supported us to date
So animals bring us so much love and Marjorie here
who's been with us six years has been a rock
in all our lives the past years and
we couldn't really have done it without the
support of Battersea so thank you to everyone
that's helped and we hope it continues
Thank you so much for making this happen
it's helped so many dogs just like my Ralph
Four years ago in 2017
Battersea launched its Not Funny campaign
calling for tougher sentences of acts of animal cruelty
at the time the longest possible sentence for even the
most terrible crimes was just six months
so I'm absolutely delighted
that the Animal Welfare Sentencing Bill
has been passed into law
so thanks for all your support in making this happen
I know that so many of you supported
the Battersea campaign and
contacted your MP and never gave up and it's
made all the difference and we did it for every single
animal out there so thank you very much