Seoul: Killing an animal using cruel methods will now carry a sentence of up to three years in prison under newly announced sentencing guidelines, as stated by the top court on Monday. The Supreme Court revealed that its Sentencing Commission has developed these new guidelines to better address the punishment of acts involving the killing or injuring of animals. According to Yonhap News Agency, the new guidelines stipulate that killing an animal will result in a sentence ranging from four months to a year in prison. However, if there are aggravating factors involved, the maximum sentence can extend up to three years. These aggravating factors include targeting random or multiple animals, repeated abuse over an extended period, having a "reprovable" motive, and employing cruel methods. Furthermore, inflicting pain or causing injury to animals will incur a sentence of two to ten months, with a possibility of a maximum two-year sentence if aggravated punishment is applicable. The guidelines are set to be final ized in March of next year, following due processes such as public hearings, ensuring that the measures are comprehensive and considerate of public opinion.