§ 24. Mr. FREEMANasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the death by starvation, exposure, and neglect of Welsh mountain ponies owing to the drop in their market value; whether he is aware that, owing to no system of registering or branding existing, the police are unable to establish ownership or prosecute the offenders; that during last winter 34 such ponies were found dead in two counties and many others so weak that they had to be shot; and whether he will introduce legislation to deal with the matter?
§ Mr. CLYNESI have caused inquiry to be made as regards the counties of Radnor and Brecon, to which I understand the question mainly refers, and I am informed that 24 ponies are known to the police to have died in the mountain areas during last winter and spring. I understand that it is the general practice of farmers to mark their stock and bring them in from the mountains in the winter. Those which are unmarked and left on the hills belong mainly to private individuals. In the circumstances, I doubt if any further legislation is required and, on the information before me, I do not see my way to propose any.
§ Mr. FREEMANIs it a fact that sometimes the ears of these ponies, on 1448 which are the private marks, are cut off so that the police cannot trace the owners and institute prosecutions?
§ Mr. CLYNESI can only say that prosecutions for neglect have been instituted and there have been convictions. I shall be glad to have information of any individual cases from my hon. Friends.