§ MR. BAGWELLsaid, he would beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether his attention has been drawn to statements in the public press relative to cruelties alleged to be practised in the preparation of veal; and whether, should the existing laws be insufficient, he will take such steps as he may consider necessary to prevent the continuance of such atrocities?
§ MR. GATHORNE HARDYsaid, he had observed in the public papers statements to the effect that cruelties were practised in the preparation of veal, and, in consequence of these statements, he had directed inquiries to be made into the matter, but no case was actually brought before him. He was afraid that in many instances these cruelties had been practised. The Secretary for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals had advertised for information on the subject, and they perhaps would be more fortunate than he was.
§ MR. BAGWELLasked if the present law was sufficient for the purpose of punishing those guilty of the cruelties referred to?
§ MR. GATHORNE HARDYsaid, any unnecessary torture of an animal was punishable by law.