New sentencing guidelines for animal welfare offences in England and Wales have been published by the United Kingdom sentencing council and will come into effect on July 1st, 2023. The updated guidelines, developed after changes introduced by the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act 2021, will for the first time offer judges and magistrates guidance on sentencing the most serious animal cruelty offences, including causing unnecessary suffering, tail docking, and animal fighting. A second guideline focuses on “Failure to ensure animal welfare.” Both apply to adults only and follow public consultation and analysis of current sentencing practice.