Back in September 2009, Lucy lent her name to another worthy endeavour in NZ; stopping the cruelty to animals called PAW Justice (you can watch a promo video, promo pics and news on the AUSXIP Lucy Lawless PAW Justice Page).
An organisation called Paw Justice has launched a petition to increase the maximum jail sentence for animal abuse or neglect. The petition called for Parliament to increase the sentence for neglect from 6 months to one year, and for wilful ill-treatment from 3 years to 5 years.
On Friday, 2 July 2010, the following article was posted in the New Zealand Herald about the passing of the new laws:
SPCA welcomes passing of animal cruelty bill
The SPCA has applauded the Government for passing the Animal Welfare Amendment Act, which will see increased penalties for the neglect and ill-treatment of animals. SPCA branches were delighted about the new law, chief executive Robyn Kippenberger said. The maximum sentence for wilful ill-treatment of an animal has been increased from three to five years and the maximum fine doubled to $100,000 for an individual and $500,000 for a company. Penalties also increase for a range of other neglect and ill-treatment offences and the Act expands the law relating to forfeiture of animals and disqualification from having them. It also creates a new offence of reckless ill-treatment, which will make it easier for offenders to be prosecuted. Read More
(Reported by Eddy)