§ SIR HENRY HOAREasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, Whether the police constables on duty have distinct orders to take into custody persons offending against the second Clause of the Act 12 & 13 Vic. called an Act for the more effectual prevention of Cruelty to Animals; and, whether he will give instructions to the Chief Commissioner of Police to see that they are more active in carrying out the provisions of the said Act?
MR. BRUCESir, the orders of the police, on which they have always acted, have been in all cases of serious cruelty to animals to apprehend the offenders, and in less serious cases to summon them. My hon. Friend seems to think that there has been a falling off in diligence on the part of the police of late years; but the statistics of the last three years will show that such has not been the case. In 1869 the number of persons apprehended was 487; of persons summoned, 96—total, 583; in 1870 the number apprehended was 463; summoned, 101—total, 564; in 1871 the number apprehended was 650; summoned, 90—total, 740. That shows that there is no want of diligence on the part of the police. The magistrates have not power to order the destruction of animals brought before them in a bad state. I cannot say, without further consideration, that it would be wise or expedient to undertake additional legislation on the subject.