HC Deb 04 February 1937 vol 319 cc1757-8
39. Mr. Messer

asked the Home Secretary whether he has considered the communication sent to him to the effect that a Mr. K. C. Gandar Dower has brought a team of recently-captured cheetahs to England to be used for coursing with live game; and if he will inquire into the matter with a view to prohibiting this new form of cruelty?

Sir J. Simon

The control of the admission of live animals into this country does not rest with my Department. As a result of the communication referred to, I made inquiries and am informed that 12 cheetahs are now in this country in quarantine for six months, but I have no information of the purpose for which they were imported.

Mr. Messer

In view of the question, will the right hon. Gentleman address himself to seeing that this purpose is prohibited?

Sir J. Simon

For my part, I should certainly do all I could to enforce the law against cruelty to dumb animals, but I do not know anything about this particular case.

Mr. Logan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that "cheaters" have often been seen on these tracks before?