§ MR. BUCHANAN (Edinburgh, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the continuance of the practice of rabbit coursing, particularly to what took place at the Crown Inn at Saltford on 3rd February, as narrated in the Bath Chronicle of 13th 1323 February, in which the proceedings are thus described—
Each round being a match between two dogs, a couple of terriers were let loose and set on a rabbit, which they seized. One dog was tearing the live rabbit on the side of the head and body, whilst the second dog fixed its teeth in the flesh on the other side, both dogs pulling at the rabbit in opposite directions, till the unfortunate animal was torn, mangled, and worried to death. In some instances the rabbits' backs were broken by the dogs; and again a mutilated and half-dead rabbit was carried round the field for five minutes in the dog's mouth. About a hundred rabbits were maimed and subsequently worried to death in this manner;and whether he will now re-consider his statement of 9th August, 1889, and introduce legislation to render such practices illegal?
§ MR. J. LOWTHER (Kent, Isle of Thanet)Before the right hon. Gentleman answers that question I should like to ask him whether his attention has been called to the fact that in the North of England coursing, and especially rabbit coursing, conducted under recognised and established regulations, affords pastime to large masses of the industrial population who are unable to indulge in more expensive forms of sport; and whether he considers it desirable, on ex parte statements, to commit the House to an opinion on the subject?
§ MR. BUCHANANMay I further ask the right hon. Gentleman the Home Secretary whether he has not received Petitions on the subject not merely from the West of England, but also from the North, of England, complaining of the gross cruelty which goes on in connection with this so-called sport.
§ MR. MATTHEWSI have directed the Chief Constable to make inquiry and report as to the allegations contained in the paragraph quoted. Legislation on the subject of cruelty to wild animals is surrounded with difficulties, and I cannot promise to introduce it. I feel confident, however, that public opinion is growing on the question, and will not to rate that cruelties should be permitted in the name of sport. With regard to the question put by my right hon. Friend, I am not acquainted with the habits of the population in the North of England with regard to rabbit coursing.