§ *THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. Long, Liverpool, West Derbyshire)I beg to ask leave to introduce a Bill to amend the law relating to dogs. The muzzling order having done its duty there is now room for a more moderate measure, and local authorities are anxious to get certain powers with regard to the control of dogs. In the Bill introduced last year there were some provisions not so unreasonable I think as some persons represented them to be, but they evoked a great deal of opposition, and this year we are content to submit less extensive proposals. There are regulations relating to collars in the Bill which have been inserted at the instance of urban authorities, and the County Councils are given the option of imposing similar regulations in their own districts. The Bill will also clear up certain doubts as to the law, and will enable local authorities to make by-laws with a view to the prevention of sheep-worrying.
§ DR. FARQUHARSON (Aberdeenshire, W.)May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if the abolition of the muzzling order is universal throughout the United Kingdom?
§ *MR. LONGThe Bill has nothing to do with the abolition of the muzzling order which is imposed by the central authority. The new powers are to be conferred solely on the local authority.
§ MR. BROADHURST (Leicester)Is the Bill to be limited to dogs?
§ Bill to amend the Law relating to Dogs, ordered to be brought in by Mr. Long, Mr. Attorney General, The Lord Advocate, and Mr. Attorney General for Ireland.