§ MR. SMEATON (Stirlingshire)I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the 108 Home Department whether last year the Metropolitan Police handed over to the veterinary inspectors 12,018 dogs; what orders these veterinary inspectors have as to the disposal of these dogs, and by whose authority the orders are issued; and what precautions are taken to prevent these dogs being used for purposes of vivisection.
§ MR. GLADSTONEThe number stated is correct. Detailed instructions to persons taking charge of dogs under the Act of 1906 are issued under the authority of the Commissioner of Police, and are in strict compliance with the Act. Every veterinary surgeon when appointed is required to give a formal undertaking that he will not sell or hand over any dog for the purpose of vivisection.
§ MR. SMEATONIs there any statutory penalty for infringement of this regulation?
§ MR. GLADSTONEI am not sure.