§ MR. SEALE-HAYNE (Devon, Ashburton)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture (1) how many cases of rabies have been reported in 104 Devonshire during the past 12 months; and (2) whether farmers' dogs employed in driving sheep and cattle, and fishermen's dogs employed in carrying ropes to and from their masters' boats, may be accorded the same exemption from the muzzle as dogs employed in sport?
MR. LONGTwo cases of undoubted rabies have occured in Devonshire during that current year. One case occurred on the 29th June, and another on the 7th July, whilst a third dog was destroyed in June under very suspicious circumstances. In connection with the latter case another dog from the same premises, after displaying similar symptoms, disappeared. In reply to the hon. Member for South Molton I have stated that I am unable to adopt the suggestion contained in the second paragraph of the Question.