THE RSPCA has welcomed the Government's draft bill to increase sentences for cruelty and to recognise animal sentience in domestic law.

Figures published by the animal charity reveal that 6.5% of people were prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act this year and received an immediare prison sentence.

RSPCA interim chief executive Michael Ward said: “It’s great news that the Government has committed to bringing in tougher sentences  in England and Wales.

“Sadly, every year, our inspectors are faced with sickening cases of animal abuse, cruelty and neglect.

“And while, in as many cases as possible, we seek to deal with complaints of animal cruelty using preventative measures such as education and advice, sometimes we feel it is necessary to bring animal abusers before the courts for punishment.

“This year our officers have seen shocking cases of horses being hit repeatedly with wood, pets being beaten to death by their owners, and dogs being kept in cold, concrete pens coated in their own filth.

“As the cruelty continues to shock us, so too do the sentences handed out to such cold-hearted and cruel individuals.

"Of the 40 people who received immediate jail terms in RSPCA prosecutions this year so far, just 14 were given sentences towards the upper limit of six months.”

In a Wirral, 60-year-old Alan Pownall was jailed for 23 weeks after pleading guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to Staffordshire Bull terrier Halo in February. 

On November 17, Pownall was also disqualified from keeping animals for life and was ordered to pay a £115 victim surcharge.

Halo was found lying on top of a children's paddling pool and various rubbish in an alleyway behind houses in Paterson Street, Birkenhead. 

She had blood around her nose but did not appear to have any obvious injuries.

A post mortem showed that Halo had suffered severe damage to her liver as a result of multiple blunt forces consistent with being kicked.

RSPCA inspector Anthony Joynes said: “This was a stomach-churning case of brutal violence against a young, defenceless Staffie.

"It still troubles me greatly knowing how terrified poor Halo would have been. She was being hurt by the person who she relied upon to protect her.

“I've done this job for almost nine years and it doesn't get any easier dealing with incidents like this.

"Arriving at a scene and finding an already deceased animal that has been abused in such a horrific way is hard to switch off from.

“Pownall now has many long weeks in a cell to reflect on his cruel actions and I'm glad that our action has meant that Halo's suffering hasn't gone completely unanswered.”

In 2017 so far just 40 people have received immediate jail sentences across the UK.

The current maximum sentence, if prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, is six months in prison and/or an unlimited fine.

The RSPCA has been calling to increase that sentence to five years - bringing England and Wales into line with Northern Ireland and other European countries.

The new draft bill also recognises that animals are sentient beings meaning they have the same capacity to feel joy and pleasure, as well as pain and suffering - the Government will take this into account when formulating the new policy.