Introduce A Minimal Custodial Sentence For Dog Fighting And Spectatorship In Scotland
The torturous world of Dog Fighting is a huge money business and one that is on the increase throughout Scotland. It is a world which promotes pain and suffering to those said to be 'mans best friend'.
There are no winners... No canine winners at least. Dogs brought into the hideous world of dog fighting suffer mass physical injury, (rarely receiving professional veterinary care), physical and emotional abuse, torture from their handlers, they are kept in unsanitary and inadequate conditions usually kenneled, tethered or chained. They are often beaten and starved to improve their 'game'. Losing dogs often tortured to death, drowned, electrocuted, hung and beaten.
The psychological effect on these dogs goes without saying. These dogs will never enjoy a walk through the forest, they will never be allowed to track, socialize, or participate in any natural or instinctive species appropriate behaviours. All they will ever know is a world of pain, hurt and isolation.
The current Government Legislation states :
"The penalties for people convicted of animal cruelty and animal fighting offences reflect the very serious nature of these acts. People found guilty of causing an animal unnecessary suffering or being involved in animal fighting can be sent to prison for up to 12 months or can be fined up to £20,000, or both."
With a dog fight estimated to take place EVERY DAY in the UK , it is clear that the current sentencing and legislation is not enough to deter from participation in this 'Blood Sport'. Courts are rarely seen to sentence to the full extent of the law and it is common to see those convicted under Dog Fighting charges to walk free from court with suspended sentences and bans on keeping animals. Many convicted Dog Fighters go on to continue in their abusive crimes despite previous convictions.
We the undersigned, Demand that a MINIMAL custodial sentence of 12 months imprisonment is introduced to Scotland for those convicted on Dog Fighting charges & Spectatorship of Dog Fighting.
Dear First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon,
The torturous world of Dog Fighting is a huge money business and one that is on the increase throughout Scotland. It is a world which promotes pain and suffering to those said to be 'mans best friend'.
There are no winners... No canine winners at least. Dogs brought into the hideous world of dog fighting suffer mass physical injury, (rarely receiving professional veterinary care), physical and emotional abuse, torture from their handlers, they are kept in unsanitary and inadequate conditions usually kenneled, tethered or chained. They are often beaten and starved to improve their 'game'. Losing dogs often tortured to death, drowned, electrocuted, hung and beaten.
The psychological effect on these dogs goes without saying. These dogs will never enjoy a walk through the forest, they will never be allowed to track, socialize, or participate in any natural or instinctive species appropriate behaviours. All they will ever know is a world of pain, hurt and isolation.
The current Government Legislation states :
"The penalties for people convicted of animal cruelty and animal fighting offences reflect the very serious nature of these acts. People found guilty of causing an animal unnecessary suffering or being involved in animal fighting can be sent to prison for up to 12 months or can be fined up to £20,000, or both."
With a dog fight estimated to take place EVERY DAY in the UK , it is clear that the current sentencing and legislation is not enough to deter from participation in this 'Blood Sport'. Courts are rarely seen to sentence to the full extent of the law and it is common to see those convicted under Dog Fighting charges to walk free from court with suspended sentences and bans on keeping animals. Many convicted Dog Fighters go on to continue in their abusive crimes despite previous convictions.
We the undersigned, demand that a MINIMAL custodial sentence of 12 months imprisonment is introduced to Scotland for those convicted on Dog Fighting charges & Spectatorship of Dog Fighting.
Se flere underskriftsindsamlinger: 