Any legislation increasing penalties for animal cruelty must include all forms of animal cruelty not just individual acts of cruelty to pets, Green Party Animal Welfare spokesperson Sue Kedgley said today.

Prime Minister John Key has indicated that the Government will consider increasing the maximum penalty for cruelty to animals from three years jail to five years.

"We need to make certain that any legislation covers all forms of animal abuse, including institutional abuse such as keeping pigs and hens in cages for the duration of their lives," said Ms Kedgley.

"The Government needs to show that it is serious about animal cruelty by tackling institutionalised cruelty to farm animals as well as individual acts of violence to animals."

Ms Kedgley said by itself, simply extending sentences, would be unlikely to reduce the incidence of animal cruelty in New Zealand. "People found guilty of animal cruelty are very rarely jailed in New Zealand, even though the legislation already permits three year jail sentences.

"Therefore, simply extending the sentencing period by itself is unlikely to reduce incidences of animal cruelty."

"The Green Party wants to see sentences for animal cruelty include rehabilitation and education, so that underlying attitudes to animals are changed," said Ms Kedgley.

"We also need to teach respect for animals as part of the school curriculum if we are serious about reducing incidences of animal cruelty."