Tougher sentencing will be imposed on animal abusers in England and Wales. From 29 June 2021, The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act came into effect, meaning courts can now condemn offenders to up to five years in prison. Having lobbied for harsher punishment for abusers for several years, charities, such as the RSPCA, are marking this new piece of legislation as a landmark moment for animal welfare.