§ 30. Mr. PENNYasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the protests of residents in various districts of the Thames Valley caused by people carrying on rabbit coursing, which 1489 takes place principally on Sundays, in such a manner that the animals have not a fair chance of escape; and whether he will consider introducing legislation prohibiting such cruelty?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSOne complaint on the subject has been addressed to my Department. The Commissioner of Police informs me that coursing has taken place from time to time in the Thames Valley, but no special case of cruelty has come under notice in recent years, except on the 1st February last, on which occasion proceedings were taken against the promoters of the meeting, with the result that they were convicted and fined. Coursing of an animal in an enclosed space from which it has no reasonable chance of escape is already an offence under the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act, 1921.
§ Mr. PENNYIf I bring to the notice of the right hon. Gentleman cases in which cruelty is really taking place, will he take action against these people?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSCertainly.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYApart from the question of cruelty, is it not illegal to course on the Sabbath?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI really do not know the answer to that question.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYSurely the right hon. Gentleman can apply to the Home Office, so that if Sabbath breaking is going on it may be stopped?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSIf the hon. and gallant Gentleman puts down a question I will give an answer.
§ Mr. W. THORNEDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that rabbit coursing is more cruel than fox hunting?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSCertainly.