§ MR. MACFARLANEasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, If his attention has been called to the Police Regulation enforcing the muzzling of dogs in the Metropolis, and to the inefficacy of such a regulation while the importation of dogs into London from all parts of the Kingdom is permitted; and, if he will consider the propriety of extending the order over the whole Country, or of withdrawing it in London?
THE SECRETARY OF STATE (Mr. CHILDERS)In reply to my hon. Friend, I would say that I have no means of preventing the importation of dogs into London. Of course, when they once 1533 arrive here they become subject to the police regulations, and have to submit to them. How far those regulations can be relaxed will depend upon what the Police Authorities report to me, and what they consider to be consistent with the public safety. I have no power to extend the order over the whole country; but a Circular was issued by my Predecessor in December last, calling the attention of the Local Authorities to the increase of rabies, and suggesting the enforcement of the Dog Act.
§ MR. MACFARLANEasked whether it was not the fact that dogs might go unmuzzled in the City; and, were there any means of preventing unmuzzled dogs straying from the City to the West End?
MR. CHILDEES, in reply, said, the regulations applied both to the City and the West End; but there were many regulations as affecting the City and the rest of the Metropolis which it would be difficult to justify.
§ SIR E. ASSHETON CROSSasked to what extent had there been a decrease in the number of cases of rabies and of hydrophobia since the police order had been issued?
MR. CHILDERSsaid, he would be quite willing to give a Return of the number of dogs arrested since the order for muzzling, and also the number of eases of rabies, if it were moved for by the right hon. Gentleman.