The news was announced by Environment Secretary Michael Gove yesterday.

James Yeates, Cats Protection’s Chief Executive, joined representatives from ten other organisations, including the RSPCA and Battersea Cats & Dogs Home, in a meeting at Number 10 Downing Street on Monday.

The meeting was held by the Prime Minister’s Environment Adviser Lord Randall, as the charities urged for tougher sentences to be implemented.

James Yeates, who attended the meeting said:

“Every week we hear of stories where cats and other animals have been subjected to horrific cruelty. This causes severe suffering, and often lifelong physical injuries or physiological problems. Sadly, we hear of many cats that have died after suffering appalling acts of cruelty.”

“Our society takes animal welfare very seriously and will not tolerate the abuse of defenceless animals. When this sentencing bill is progressed and enacted, it will bring our public laws a little closer to our social ethics."

“We very much welcome this announcement which is an important step in ensuring the UK is one of the world leaders on animal welfare issues.”

Learn more about how we campaign for feline welfare.