HC Deb 05 July 1905 vol 148 c1131
CAPTAIN DONELAN (Cork, E.)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the suffering inflicted upon horses by the use of tight bearing reins, especially in hot weather, he will take such steps as may be necessary, by legislation or otherwise, to put a stop to this practice.

MR. AKERS-DOUGLAS

I fear that I cannot see my way to introduce legislation on this matter; but I agree with the hon. Member that the use of tight bearing reins does cause great discomfort to horses, and I hope that his Question will call attention to the practice and influence people to abandon it.

CAPTAIN DONELAN

Have the police power to take action in cases of obvious cruelty?

MR. AKERS-DOUGLAS

I should like to look into that point.