Section 1 — Mode of trial and maximum penalty for certain animal welfare offences

(1) Section 32 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (post-conviction powers: imprisonment or fine) is amended as follows.

(2) In subsection (1) (penalty for offence under any of sections 4, 5, 6(1) and (2), 7 and 8 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006), for the words from “on summary conviction” to the end substitute— (a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or to a fine, or to both; (b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years, or to a fine, or to both.

(3) After subsection (4) insert— (4A) In relation to an offence committed before the commencement of paragraph 24(2) of Schedule 22 to the Sentencing Act 2020, the reference in subsection (1)(a) to 12 months is to be read as a reference to 6 months.

(4) In subsection (5), omit “(1)(a),”.