The UK's top animal welfare watchdog has backed calls for tougher sentencing of abusers.

The RSPCA is seeking to raise awareness of the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill, which the Labour party today asked the Government to bring to the House of Commons in August.

Sentences of up to five years in jail could be handed out as a result of the new legislation.

Frontline RSPCA officers - who are designated key workers - have dealt with more than 47,000 incidents between the start of the lockdown on March 23 and May 31.

In the three weeks after lockdown began, the charity received 56 reports of abandoned animals from across Kent.

RSPCA's head of public affairs, David Bowles, said: “We are pleased to see the opposition calling on the Government to get the Animal Sentencing Bill on the statute books by autumn.

"As a charity which deals with some of the worst animal cruelty cases, we believe the current sentencing provisions, which only allow for a maximum of six months in prison does not go far enough.

“Sadly, cruelty has not stopped during the lockdown and we are very concerned about the welfare impact of an expected financial downturn, so now more than ever we need to see animals protected and sentences increased.”

Among the cases it has recently handled was a Staffordshire Bull Terrier called Hollie who was found beheaded on the patio of her home and with her front leg severed.

The association is now appealing for information about the incident.

Another Staffie - this time aged 10- to 14-days-old - was found in Huddersfield in May, abandoned in rubbish with a large gash across its back. RSPCA officers are seeking information regarding that incident as well.

Mr Bowles added: “Sadly, the current maximum sentence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 means you could face a longer prison sentence for fly-tipping than beating an animal to death. As a nation that prides itself on its love of animals, this is simply not acceptable.

“We were thrilled when the Cabinet approved this Bill back in June 2019 but since then it has fallen twice and little progress has been made while cruelty continues.

“We hope the Government will listen to the calls made by Labour today and make this Bill law as soon as possible.

"This will give courts the powers they need to punish those responsible for the most unimaginable cruelty to innocent, defenceless animals.

"We also believe this would act as a much stronger deterrent and hopefully help us stamp out animal cruelty once and for all.”

In Kent, the RSPCA has pro-actively tackled a number of horrendous cases since January.

In February, farmer Tracy Middleton was jailed for 120 days and banned from owning animals for 10 years.

She had pleaded guilty to 19 separate charges pertaining to incorrect ownership of animals, with a number of sheep and cattle carcasses found across her property.

Just two weeks later, a 26- and 30-year-old were given fines and suspended sentences for running a puppy farm and cock fighting ring.

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here.

To read more of our in depth coverage of all of the major trials coming out of crown and magistrates' courts across the county, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Kent