Tougher sentences for animal abusers are one step closer to being introduced in Wales, the RSPCA report.
The animal charity has said under new proposals, the maximum sentence for those convicted of specific animal cruelty offences would increase from six months to five years.
"The Welsh Government has laid a legislative consent memorandum (LCM) which would allow provisions in the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, a Westminster Private Members' Bill sponsored by Chris Loder MP, to apply to Wales too," said the RSPCA.
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"... Members of the Senedd will vote on the LCM, and should they support it, such changes would apply in Wales too."
Speaking about the proposals, RSPCA's head of public affairs David Bowles explained England and Wales have some of the lowest sentences for animal welfare offences in the world.
He said: "Wales is one step closer to tougher sentences for animal abusers.
"We have long supported tougher sentences being made available in courts - and this LCM paves the way for Chris Loder MP's backbench Bill to apply to Wales too.
"Sadly, England and Wales have some of the lowest sentences for animal welfare offences in the world. The punishments available are too often totally inadequate and that needs to change.
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"At Westminster, we continue to urge MPs, Peers and the UK Government to do everything they can to get Chris Loder's Bill through; and in Wales we hope Members of the Senedd will back this LCM, so more animals get the justice they deserve.
"The clock is now ticking to get justice for animals. Supporters can act now to make sure the Bill becomes law before the next Queen's Speech - which will now mean positive change for animals in both England and Wales."
You can support the new proposals by visiting the RSPCA here.
Featured Image Credit: ShutterstockTopics: RSPCA, UK News, Life News, Animals