HC Deb 13 February 1896 vol 37 cc227-8
MR. R. S. DONKIN (Tynemouth)

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture, if, on account of the increase of rabies in the United Kingdom, he will take into serious consideration the advisability of the efficient compulsory muzzling of all dogs in the United Kingdom for twelve months, as has been done in Belgium with such success, and also to have efficient inspection of all dogs imported into this country?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE, (Mr. WALTER LONG,) Liverpool, West Derby

The measures suggested by my hon. Friend would not, I think, be likely to succeed, even if they were found practicable, unless there were a strong feeling amongst dog owners and the public generally in favour of a vigorous and well-sustained attempt to rid the country of the disease. So far as I can judge, however, no such feeling exists. I may say that, by means of local muzzling regulations, a substantial improvement in the position has taken place in Lancashire and Yorkshire, and I am hopeful that a similar result will now be obtained in London and the home counties.

MR. G. W. WOLFF (Belfast E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether, in consideration of the large increase of rabies in the United Kingdom, he will make such regulations that all dogs be registered and have a number attached to their collar corresponding with the number on the register, so that their owners can be ascertained and the police be instructed to take up and destroy any dogs found at large without such number?

MR. WALTER LONG

Legislation would be required in order to give effect to the suggestion of my hon. Friend, and I am informed that the experience of other countries has shown that the measure, while causing considerable inconvenience and expense, is not likely, in itself, to bring about the extinction of rabies. There can, however, be no doubt of the importance of the adoption of efficient measures for the seizure of stray dogs, and the prevention of the spread of the disease will be greatly assisted by the efficient performance of their duties in this respect by local authorities and the police.