The Law

[GrannyMac]

And serious child abuse. 

[Michael Rolls]

hear, hear

[JBR]

And serious child abuse. 

Yes

[Mups]

The problem with the law is that it considers financial crime far more serious than animal cruelty. This could be because the law itself is old and punishments probably are too despite being reviewed. There were harsh punishments for theft right up to hanging back in the days when animal cruelty was routine.

Until quite recently,  perhaps up until 3 or 4  years ago,  in law, pets were only considered as 'property'  or  'chattels.'  Much like a mobile phone or bit of furniture!

There has finally been a change,  and cats and dogs are now considered 'Sentient beings'  who are capable of feeling pain and fear.

Whether this will eventually change sentencing for cruelty,  only time will tell.