§ 70. Mr. MULDOONasked the Vice-President of the Department of Agriculture (Ireland) whether his attention has been called to the practice which prevails in Ireland of sending young calves tied up in sacks instead of crates; and whether he will direct prosecutions for all such offences, and direct that the law shall be strictly followed in future?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Shortt)The Department are aware that the practice prevails in some parts of Ireland of sending by rail young calves tied up in sacks instead of in crates. It is understood that the charge for conveyance in the former instance is generally the cheaper. Railway companies have been requested to take all necessary steps to secure the better treatment of young animals carried on railways otherwise than in hampers or in crates. If any instances of cruel treatment of calves in such circumstances occur, the provisions of the Protection of Animals Act, 1911, would apply.