§ CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that gross cruelty is frequently inflicted upon cart horses in London by compelling them to draw loads beyond their strength over some of the bridges across the Thames; and that serious accidents often result from this practice, especially in slippery weather; and if he will cause instructions to be given to the constables stationed near these bridges to direct their attention to such cases, and to summon all persons guilty of this cruelty?
§ MR. ASQUITHThe gradients to many of the bridges are steep, and, at times, no doubt slippery, but I am informed that the accidents reported are not more frequent there than in any other thoroughfare. The police are instructed to take proceedings in any case in which the law against cruelty is infringed, and I believe that they are vigilant in performing their duty in that respect.
§ CAPTAIN DONELANWill the right hon. Gentleman, in the event of persons being summoned for this offence, take steps to ensure that the punishment falls on the proper shoulders—those of the owners and not of the carmen.
§ MR. ASQUITHThat depends on the Magistrate.
§ MR. H. L. W. LAWSON (Gloucester, Cirencester)Are the police instructed to give all assistance to officers of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals?
§ MR. ASQUITHI think so; but I will inquire if there are any special instructions.