A HAMPSHIRE politician has joined the list of animal welfare charities to have welcomed the government decision to launch

a consultation on a new animal bill.

The bill itself will increase sentences for animal cruelty, and also recognises animal sentience in domestic law.

Member of European Parliament for Hampshire and the

south east, Keith Taylor, who is also the Green Party’s animal spokesperson, has welcomed the news.

He said: “If it is implemented in a way that offers genuine recognition of the fact that animals think and feel, just like us, and affords them extra protection accordingly, then the motivation for the bill matters little.

“This is a big victory for campaigners.”

National welfare group the RSPCA has called the decision ‘great news’.

Figures from the charity revealed that just 6.5 per cent of people they prosecuted under the Animal Welfare Act in 2017 received an immediate prison sentence.

Michael Ward, interim chief executive 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.

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

RSPCA head of public affairs, David Bowles, added: “This is potentially great news for animals post-Brexit.

“To include the recognition of animal sentience as well as increasing animal cruelty sentencing to five years into the new 2018 Animal Welfare Bill is a very bold and welcome move by the Government.

“We warmly welcome measures to evaluate Government policy against animal sentience.”