People who are cruel to animals could face up to five years in prison under a new law which has been backed by the government.
The proposed legislation would increase the maximum sentence for the most serious animal cruelty from six months to five years, allowing courts to be tougher on crimes such as dog fighting, cruel treatment of pets and gross neglect of farm animals.
The Animals Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, has been introduced as a Private Members Bill by Conservative MP Chris Loder, who said he was inspired to take action by his own dog who he found abandoned on the roadside.