People who abuse animals in England will face up to five years in prison under tough new proposals.
The Government is planning to raise the maximum sentence from six months in jail.
The new proposals come following a series of shocking animal abuse cases, in which courts said they would have liked to impose tougher sentences if they had the option.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: “We are a nation of animal lovers and so we must ensure that those who commit the most shocking cruelty towards animals face suitably tough punishments.
“These plans will give courts the tools they have requested to deal with the most abhorrent acts.”
As the draft proposals are unlikely to face opposition in Parliament, the new guidelines are expected to come into force early next year.