RECENT reports of cruelty to animals, in particular relating to household pets, have been stomach-churning to read.
Something must be done urgently to minimise the kind of behaviour that leaves some animals in dire distress. It would be appropriate to alter the penalty for those found guilty of wantonly cruel and unacceptable treatment.
Custodial sentences should be actively pursued, despite the additional strain this might put on our penal facilities.
Meanwhile, the general public should consider contributing to funding the Scottish Society for the Protection of Animals, which seeks to alleviate animal suffering.
The public could also encourage MSPs and MPs to act on the suggestions for custodial penalties for those guilty of a criminal activity that is a stain on our society.
John Hamilton,
1 Jackson Place,
Bearsden.
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