A recently proposed animal welfare bill, The Animal (Penalty Notices) Bill, has taken another step towards becoming part of UK law this week.

Romford Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell’s private member’s bill has won the backing of the Commons and will now be scrutinised in the Lords.

If passed, the new law will mean hefty on the spot fines of £5,000 for people who mistreat pets, livestock, or zoo animals in the UK.

Along with government support, the bill also has the support of the RSPCA which stated that the penalties would “provide better safeguards for all animals.”

Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the RSPCA, said: “Fixed penalty notices are really useful to quickly combat suffering of farmed animals, horses and animals kept in zoos.

“We are pleased that enforcement bodies will be given powers and revenue from these fines in order to safeguard animal welfare should this bill become law.

“We hope these enforcement notices will serve as a good deterrent to those causing suffering to animals and also an important education tool to prevent them repeating their mistakes in the future.”

Mr Sherwood continued: “These penalties, used in conjunction with tougher sentences which are coming into force soon, will provide better safeguards for all animals.

“We wholeheartedly support Andrew Rosindell’s Bill, are pleased to see it has Government backing and hope it progresses through parliament quickly.”