Animal abuse should never be treated lightly. Yet penalties remain disproportionately low compared to the suffering caused. As MND is currently reviewing the Animals and Birds Act (ABA), I filed a parliamentary question on whether the ABA will be updated to include an aggravated cruelty category for serial offenders, or cases resulting in death or permanent disability. I’ve also asked about the rationale behind the current maximum 18-month jail term. In comparison, other jurisdictions impose str