Offence
Cause unnecessary suffering to a protected animal
How often this offence appears in the published court listings for England and Wales, which courts list it most and where to read the official sentencing guideline.
- Hearings listed
- 134
- Upcoming hearings
- 2
- Next listed date
- Mon, 26 October 2026
- Courts listing it
- 70
- Heard in
- Magistrates' Court (134)
- Sentencing guideline
- Animal cruelty
- Official offence code
- AW06041
- The law
- Contrary to sections 4(1) and 32(1) of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
- Where it can be tried
- Magistrates' court or Crown Court
- Can lead to prison
- Yes
- Typical prison term in recorded cases
- 3 months to 1 year 10 months (23 cases)
Courts that list it most
- Manchester Magistrates' Court (8 hearings)
- Bromley Magistrates' Court (6 hearings)
- Bristol Magistrates' Court (5 hearings)
- Willesden Magistrates' Court (5 hearings)
- Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court (5 hearings)
- Leeds District Magistrates' Court (4 hearings)
- Preston Magistrates' Court (4 hearings)
- Staines Magistrates' Court (4 hearings)
- Basildon Magistrates' Court (3 hearings)
- Croydon Magistrates' Court (3 hearings)
- Derby Magistrates' Court (3 hearings)
- Nottingham Magistrates' Court (3 hearings)
- Sheffield Magistrates' Court (3 hearings)
- Stockport Magistrates' Court (3 hearings)
- Worcester Justice Centre (3 hearings)