Horsetalk.co.nz A seismic day for animal welfare in Britain: Maximum jail terms jump for worst offences A campaign by animal welfare organisations in Britain has resulted in a major increase in the maximum sentence for the most serious animal cruelty offences. The Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act has completed its final reading in the House of Lords and has received Royal Assent, meaning sentences for animal cruelty will increase from a maximum of six months to five years. The charity World Horse Welfare said it warmly welcomed the passage of the long-awaited bill. It has been part of a coalition of leading animal welfare organisations that have been pushing Britain’s parliament to increase penalties.