HC Deb 29 November 1916 vol 88 cc344-5
98. Sir PHILIP MAGNUS

asked whether, with a view to preventing the present waste of food consumed by dogs other than those employed in rural districts, and the unhygienic condition of the-pavements of the London streets of which complaints have been heard, he will take steps to lessen the number of dogs which now prowl about in London and in other cities?

111. Mr. KING

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether any estimate has been made of the number of dogs in this country, and of their usefulness or otherwise, or of the amount of food consumed by dogs; and whether, in the interests of economy and national effort, any attempt will be made to reduce the wasteful maintenance of dogs?

Mr. PRETYMAN

No official estimate has been made of the number of dogs in this country. Their usefulness varies greatly, and it is certainly desirable to reduce their numbers in urban districts, where many of them serve no useful purpose. This question can be considered before the new licences are issued, next January.