HC Deb 08 July 1898 vol 61 cc326-7
MR. FLAVIN

On behalf of the honourable Member for South Kerry, I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland if he is aware that a large number of prosecutions have been instituted by the police authorities in and around the district of Kenmare against people for not having their dogs muzzled; whether he is aware that the local district inspector of police allows several of his own dogs to wander on the public roads unmuzzled; and why this police officer has not been proceeded against by the head constable for a breach of the Muzzling Order?

MR. GERALD BALFOUR

There have been about 40 prosecutions for the offence mentioned in this locality, and in every case the offending party had been at least twice warned before proceedings were taken. On one occasion an un-muzzled dog belonging to the district inspector was found outside his residence; the district inspector was absent at the time, but his servant was cautioned. This is, I am informed, the only foundation for the suggestion in the Question affecting that officer.

MR. FLAVIN

Is the right honourable Gentleman aware that this inspector allows his own dogs to wander unmuzzled, and is not prosecuted?

MR. SPEAKER

Order, order!

MR. FLAVIN

Then is this answer based on the report of the district inspector himself?

MR. SWIFT MACNEILL

Why not muzzle him?