The SPCA is backing Tauranga MP Simon Bridges’ Private Members Bill that is seeking to raise the maximum penalty for the wilful ill-treatment of animals from three years imprisonment to five.
“This recommendation is sending a strong signal to the community that animal abuse is simply not acceptable,” says Bob Kerridge, executive director of the society.

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“It is time to recognise that cruelty to animals is a social sickness that is as heinous as any act of violence inflicted on fellow humans, and the two are inextricably linked.”
Simon’s Private Members Bill is being entered into Parliament’s ballot for 2010 and is mainly focused on section 28 of the Animal Welfare Act which relates to the wilful and deliberate abuse of animals.
“Wilful ill-treatment epitomises the most reprehensible acts of animal cruelty we encounter, for which sentences are generally abysmally light given the nature of the crimes,” says Bob.  
“This SPCA is committed to ensuring that the judiciary and the public are made fully aware of the seriousness of animal abuse, and with the support of our remarkable panel of eminent pro-bono prosecutors this will undoubtedly intensify in the New Year.”