Alfie's Law Animal Cruelty UK | Pets News UK Updates
At the time of writing this the flood gates have opened in Yorkshire, it is pouring down with rain. Apparently we are going to get one months worth of rain in two days! A contrast to the recent hosepipe ban, and that was when it was snowing ... Our seasons have changed, I just think our High Streets need to adjust their selection of clothes to provide a little bit of everything for each month of the year. It could be bikini's at Christmas and mittens in August, who knows? The world is changing too, there is more awareness than ever before, of animal cruelty from all over the world, with no exception, and it breaks my heart. With people breeding dogs to fight one another and in some parts of the world to put on the dinner plate. What are we doing to mans best friend? I am often left feeling ashamed to be a part of the human race. So many of us are not educated in the plight to respect our animal kingdom.
We are supposed to be a nation of animal lovers and although many of us regard our pets as a significant part of the family, others see them as bait or a good meal.
There are quite literally thousand up thousands of causes, petitions and campaigns popping up all over the place and we cannot ignore this.
In particular we discovered 'Paws for Thought Alfie's Law'. A website lovingly put together by a dog owner and his pet 'Alfie', a bearded collie pup, cleverly portrayed through the eyes of a dog. A charming site, whilst not being too graphic in detail, gets straight to the point, bringing the subject of animal cruelty to the forefront.
Extract from Paws for Thought
Paws for thought Alfie's Law came about from an idea I had with a few of my wonderful friends after reading some dreadful stories of abuse inflicted on animals. Most of them too horrific to even mention.
This campaign will help to raise awareness of the current law in the UK regarding animal abuse, neglect & murder and how the sentences are not being used to the maximum. Too often minimum fines are given to people who inflict the most disguisting abuse and harm to our animals.
Within the UK Judicial System, sentencing guidelines are set by the Sentencing Council and they provide detailed guidance to Magistrates Courts across the UK. These guidelines state that offences of Animal Cruelty (as described in the Animal Welfare Act 2006) is triable only summarily (cannot go to Crown Court) and carry a maximum penalty of £20,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment).
Alfie's Law continued to explain by using a recent incident of extreme hardship, pain and suffering intentionally caused to a pet dog in Manchester, and these stories are not uncommon, each day our animals are being treated this way. Please note, you may find this upsetting.
Extract from Alfie's Law
Tyson's Story (shocking story) of how a 19yr old battered & stabbed his dog to death. Click on Green Links to read both stories.
Alfie explains how things could change for the better
RSPCA Figures
In 2011, only 1,341 people were convicted of animal-related offences in costly private prosecution cases brought by the RSPCA, and 1,100 disqualifications orders were made by the Courts when sentencing people. Courts ordered only 74 sentences of imprisonment.
This is not preventing the escalating numbers of animal cruelty cases, more needs to be done.
The RSPCA currently spend between £4m - £5m per year to cover prosecution costs and if this money were to be re-directed to training & recruitment it would make a vast difference to the fight against animal cruelty.
It is highly unlikely that anyone would receive the maximum sentence and usually dis- proportionate fines are imposed.
Paws for thought - Alfie's Law would like to see a zero tolerance on animal abuse as there is absolutely no excuse for it.
Paws for thought - Alfie's Law would also like to see sentencing increased to a maximum of 2 years custodial and a lifetime ban for persistent or serious offenders.
Paws for thought - Alfie's Law would also like to see animal protection agencies (such as the RSPCA) become part of the Criminal Justice System under the stewardship of the Crown Prosecution Service.
They can then continue to undertake prosecutions within the law but will not have to pay the prosecution costs. This would allow them financially to provide better training, recruit more inspectors & support re-homing centres with the money they receive in donations from the public.
Paws for Thought 'Alfie's Law', also has a gallery of Alfie's four legged friends. A site where pets have a voice and clearly, pet owners are sending 'Alfie' pictures of their dogs as a sign of unity. Here are some of the gang !
Alfie is also on Twitter with a large followed, spreading awareness and encouraging people to not just agree that things need to change, but take a few moments, to sign the petition.
I do understand that there are wars all over the world, women and children are suffering extreme hardship, not to mention their loved ones that are caught up in battles they do not understand. But if we cannot look after our animals, how can look after each other. Surely the bare essentials of life is to take care of our immediate surrounding and nurture what is not ours to abuse. To be thankful and learn to respect everything around us. I think Alfie's Law is a wonderful site and we all wish Alfie and his followers every success. We have signed the petition. Please help and do the same! Tiffany x
Moving on to some great news about one our favourite pets! If you have read my previous blog about
Kizzy the Rescue dog. 'Rescue' as in she is trained to sniff out missing people. Yes, she rescue's us, not the other way round! Her owner, 'Phil', tells me her puppies are due in a couple of weeks time and has promised me some images of the new additions. You can see Kizzy's story in more detail at the foot of this page. And I am really excited about sharing the images with you. And if you remember 'Cheshire Search and Rescue' flew out to Greece in an attempt to find 'John Lawton', who went missing whilst on a sponsored run. Sadly as far as we are aware, John has still not been found but the Team are still helping his family. You can see some images of them rock climbing whilst conducting their search for John on the website. See links below. Our thoughts are with John Lawtons family.
Also, I must say, last but by no means least. As you will probably know on June 4th or June 5th between 3.30pm and 8.30am. Bank Holiday - The Queens Diamond Jubilee.
Scar Crockenhill Rescue Centre, otherwise known as '
Second Chance Rescue Kent', was broken into and 4 dogs were taken, they have not been seen since. We are still hoping that the dogs will be returned and John is looking forward to hearing from anybody who has any useful information. You can contact John on
07804 026773
Lynne Driscoll, former British Show Jumper is donating all of her time organise a Fund Raising Event in Kent on August 26th. We are hoping that all of the community will get involved. Covering, Bromley, Kent and any part of the UK where people will travel to be with us on the big day. There will be be stalls, raffles, a dog competition, waggiest tail, best fancy etc. All very light hearted, where your pets could be involved too! There is more information about this at the Scar Crockenhill blog that can also be found at the foot of the page. We are still looking for volunteers in Kent, Bromley and local area to Scar Crockenhill to please get involved If you could spare a few hours that would be great. It is for such a good cause.
Since finding out about this, our volunteers have raised more than a staggering £2000 for John and Julie, towards getting CCTV installed at their Small Holding in Kent.
There is lots more news about PawLets coming soon too. New businesses and a great new Features section. More pet friendly holidays uk and pets allowed rental homes on their way too. So keep dropping by to our blog section, where you can keep yourself updated on the latest happenings in the land of the pet friendly! We are still very disappointed that there is a lack of pet friendly landlords in the UK. We have a database of people with pets looking for rental homes all over the United Kingdom, so please get in touch if you have a home where you would consider pets. It really makes a difference.
Please do not forget to visit 'Alfies Law', and add that little dog on Twitter. We must not forget that our animals are voiceless. They do not want to harm us, and it is our responsibility to ensure, our pets are well behaved and have the very best manners at all times. Dogs love to be trained, to please us. Let us teach them kindness, not abuse their love, to reward us with fighting and aggression. It's just not right.
