Sentences too lenient

Advocates for Animals, of which I am campaigns manager, is appalled that, for the second time in a week, the justice system has chosen not to issue appropriate sentences in cases of extreme animal cruelty (your report, 26 August).

Last week, a woman went on holiday and left her Jack Russell to starve to death. The court could have imposed a heavy fine, imprisonment and a lifetime ban on keeping animals. Instead, she was simply admonished.

This week, a gamekeeper poisoned wildlife, putting the public at risk. The court could have imposed a prison sentence and fined him up to 85,000; instead, he was fined a mere 5,500.

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The punishment in both cases is unlikely to discourage other offenders and can hardly be called justice.

The Scottish Executive is currently drafting a new animal welfare bill, but legislation can be effective only if the courts implement stricter sentencing.

LYNDA KORIMBOCCUS

Queensferry Street

Edinburgh