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9 Sep 2010 : Column 690W—continued

Wildlife: Crime

Dr Whiteford: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice whether wildlife crime is addressed in any Home Office advice on sentencing. [12867]

Mr Blunt: The Government do not provide guidance on sentencing. That is the responsibility of the independent Sentencing Council and the Court of Appeal. The magistrates court sentencing guidelines, issued by the council, cover animal cruelty offences.

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