HC Deb 17 June 1942 vol 380 c1524
56. Mr. Leach

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food why liquid milk is supplied for dogs used for vivisection purposes and refused to veterinary surgeons for sick and injured dogs?

Mr. Mabane

The demand for liquid milk for human consumption is so heavy that none can be made available for animals unless it can be shown to be necessary for scientific purposes. The quantity used for this purpose is negligible. A limited quantity of damaged dried milk powder is available for veterinary hospitals and similar institutions for the feeding of sick and injured dogs and other animals.

Mr. Leach

Why is this preference given to dogs for cruel vivisection purposes rather than to sick dogs which veterinary surgeons are seeking to cure?

Mr. Mabane

The scientific purposes include a great number of experiments that are of great value in nutritional matters. The amount authorised for this purpose is only 70 gallons a week, and an amount of damaged dried milk is made available for veterinary purposes and also for warehouse cats.

Mr. Leach

What are the useful scientific purposes for which dogs are vivisected?