The environment secretary says the maximum sentence of six months is too low for individuals convicted of cruelty Getty ImagesPeople convicted of animal cruelty face longer prison sentences under plans to clamp down on the worst abuses. Michael Gove, the environment secretary, suggested yesterday that the maximum penalty of six months was too low. In January the government rejected a Commons environment select committee recommendation that the maximum sentence should be increased to five years. Mr Gove also confirmed that the government was planning new restrictions on live animal exports. Fewer than one in ten people convicted of animal cruelty is given an immediate custodial…

Source: The Times July 20, 2017 23:10 UTC