Tauranga MP Simon Bridges has welcomed the National caucus decision to adopt his Private Member's Bill on sentencing for animal cruelty offences as a Government Bill at its meeting on Tuesday.
'My colleagues, led by the Prime Minister, have decided to send a strong signal that animal cruelty will not be tolerated.”

'The National caucus was very supportive of this action, reflecting the concerns of the communities they represent.”
Taking the Bill as a government order avoids the need for the random ballot process which determines when Private Members Bills will be debated.
This step also complements the significant work programme that the government already has underway to improve animal welfare in New Zealand.
'The Bill is now in the very capable hands of Hon David Carter, Minister of Agriculture. I have offered to assist him in any way to progress the Bill.
'This is decisive action by National, and means that the issue can be addressed in a timely fashion by our Parliament.”

If passed into law the maximum prison sentence for animal cruelty offences increased from three years to five years.