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<p>Sentencing is a matter for the courts, which are independent from the Government.
When deciding what sentence to impose the courts take into account the circumstances
of the offence and any mitigating and aggravating factors, in line with the sentencing
guidelines which are published by the independent Sentencing Council for England and
Wales. The guidelines are intended to promote greater transparency and consistency
in sentencing. Sentencing is a devolved matter in Scotland and Northern Ireland.</p><p>
</p><p>In line with the manifesto commitment to introduce tougher sentences for animal
cruelty, the Government remains fully committed to increasing the maximum custodial
sentences for animal cruelty offences from six months to five years. The necessary
legislation will be introduced as soon as Parliamentary time allows. The Welsh Government
has agreed this increase should apply in Wales. The Scottish Government has proposed
a similar increase for its equivalent offence in Scotland. Northern Ireland already
has a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment for animal cruelty offences.</p><p>
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