Parliamentary.ai

Overview

This bill makes it a criminal offence to intentionally harm or kill service animals, including police dogs and horses. It also designates such acts as aggravating factors during sentencing, leading to potentially harsher penalties.

Description

Offences

The bill defines it as an offence to intentionally kill, injure, wound, or poison a service animal without lawful excuse. Penalties range from up to 12 months imprisonment or a fine on summary conviction, to up to five years imprisonment or a fine on indictment.

Aggravating Factors

The bill states that harming a service animal will be considered an aggravating factor when sentencing for offences such as those under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Criminal Damage Act 1971. The court must state this aggravation openly.

Definitions

“Service animal” is defined to include police dogs and horses, fire and rescue service dogs, military animals, and other animals specified by the Secretary of State through regulations. “Assistance animals” are also included, covering guide dogs, animals assisting deaf people, and those trained by prescribed charities to assist disabled individuals.

Regulations

The Secretary of State can create regulations to expand the definition of service animals. These regulations require parliamentary approval.

Extent and Commencement

The bill applies to England and Wales only and comes into force two months after being passed.

Government Spending

The bill does not directly specify any changes to government spending. However, increased prosecutions and potential longer prison sentences could lead to indirect cost implications for the justice system.

Groups Affected

Groups affected include:

• Service animals: The bill directly protects them from harm.
• Law enforcement: Police forces will benefit from stronger legal protection for their animals.
• Fire and rescue services: Similar benefits to law enforcement apply here.
• Military: The protection extends to animals serving in the armed forces.
• Disabled individuals relying on assistance animals: The bill provides additional protection to their working animals.
• Individuals who harm service animals: They face increased penalties.
• The justice system: Increased workload due to more prosecutions is possible.