Two horrifying examples of abuse have motivated a Calgary MLA to introduce a private members bill with tougher penalties for animal cruelty.

Len Webber, the independent MLA for Calgary-Foothills, plans to introduce Bill 205, the Animal Protection Amendment Act, at the legislature on Thursday.

Webber wanted to take action after a dog and a cat were found dead within days of each other in Calgary earlier this year. In each case, the animal had its mouth taped shut

“My constituents were in an uproar, they wanted something done,” Webber said.

“So that is why I chose to bring forward this private member's bill.”

Webber says his constituents believe Alberta animal cruelty laws are too lenient. His amendments would increase fines and add jail time for convicted abusers.

“I have it up to $50,000 from $20,000 and six months in jail for somebody who abuses an animal,” he said.

Webber says he has yet to speak to any MLAs that are opposed to the idea.

However, the maximum penalty is rarely levied in animal cruelty cases.