A NORTH-EAST MP who is campaigning for tougher sentences for animal abusers has received the backing of a charity.

Anna Turley wants to see those who commit cruelty against animals punished with up to five years in prison.

The legislation, which would increase the maximum sentence from its current level of six months, is being debated in Parliament on Friday, and the Redcar MP has now received support from the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home (BDCH).

The animal charity has described the current maximum custodial term as “shocking”.

Ms Turley said: “The current sentences available to courts to punish animal abuse are not working - they often mean the perpetrators of cruel acts towards animals just receive a slap on the wrist.

“If we do not properly punish these people then as a society we are essentially legitimising abuse against animals - there are some quite horrific acts of violence and cruelty to animals taking place around the country and the perpetrators clearly have no fear or the law.”

Figures show the average prison term for someone convicted of animal cruelty is just over three months.

Raising the maximum sanction to five years in prison would also put England and Wales on a par with Northern Ireland, whilst in Scotland, the current maximum is a year behind bars.

“By the standards of other countries and even nations within the UK, we are falling short and my bill will address that” said Ms Turley.

BDCH said England and Wales have among the most lenient sentences for animal cruelty when compared to European countries and states in the US and Australia.

Claire Horton, chief executive of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, said it was vital to ensure the punishment for abusing animals “truly fits the crime.”

“Battersea and many other rescue centres see shocking cases of cruelty and neglect come through our gates and we know there are many more that are dumped and don’t even make it off the streets.

“We are campaigning for tougher animal cruelty sentences and we encourage all MPs to back this important bill.”

Ms Turley has already received support from other animal charities and campaign groups including the Dog’s Trust and the RSPCA.