§ MR. H. D. GREENE () ShrewsburyI beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether local authorities have power, by means of bye-laws, to regulate the public exhibition and performances of wild animals and reptiles, and the keeping of them in populous places; whether legislation is required to prevent alarms and casualties arising from such exhibitions and the possession of such animals, and to protect them from cruelty; and whether Her Majesty's Government will either invite local authorities to exercise their powers, or will introduce legislation with these objects.
§ SIR M. WHITE RIDLEYCounty and borough councils could, I think, under their general powers of making bye-laws for good rule and government and the suppression of nuisances, regulate the keeping and exhibition of wild animals in so far as annoyance, danger, and the like might be caused to the general public. The bye-laws could not deal with cruelty to the animals themselves, the better prevention of which is a matter that needs legislation. I cannot promise that the Government will take the initiative at the present time, but I shall be glad to consider favourably any bye-laws that may be submitted to me on the one point or any Bill which my hon. friend or any other member of the House may introduce on the other.