§ 18. Mr. Leachasked the Home Secretary whether the full penalties for contravention of the Cruelty to Animals Act, 1876, have ever been imposed; and, if so, on what occasions?
§ Sir J. SimonThe Act referred to is the Statute regulating vivisection. There has never been occasion to impose the maximum penalty under that Act.
§ Mr. LeachWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the advisability of drawing the attention of the magisterial benches to the need of being a little more strict in their administration of justice in these matters?
§ Sir J. SimonI do not want there to be any confusion between the Act referred to in the question of the hon. Member and what is usually called the law against cruelty to animals, namely, the Protection of Animals Act. That Statute is not referred to in the question on the Paper, but I have several times stated in this House that I hope it will be enforced with proper strictness.