Should NZ courts be tougher on animal cruelty sentences?

A group of senior lawyers is calling for higher maximum sentences in cases of extreme animal cruelty.

The pro bono "panel of prosecutors", which offers free legal services to the Auckland SPCA, said higher sentences would send a clear message that violence against animals was unacceptable.

The panel was set up in April to help the SPCA meet the costs of prosecutions.

Panel member David Jones, QC, said sentences imposed in cases of extreme animal abuse fell considerably short of the maximum penalty.

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