§ 43. Mr. Radfordasked the Home Secretary whether he will introduce the necessary legislation to provide protection for dumb animals which have been subjected to gross ill-treatment by their owners?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonFrom the particulars which my hon. Friend has been good enough to send me I understand that he is concerned about a case in which a horse was left in possession of an owner who, on 22nd July, was convicted of ill-treating it and sentenced to three months' imprisonment. In any case where there is evidence of a kind suggesting that the animal may be exposed to further cruelty the Court has power to deprive the offender of his ownership; but my information is that in this particular case 1766 the animal has been killed, and accordingly the question of ownership no longer arises.
§ Mr. RadfordWhile I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, does not he realise that such cases of cruelty may occur from time to time and may not all be dealt with in the way as this case has been dealt with?
§ Mr. MorrisonIf the circumstances were similar, they would. I appreciate my hon. Friend's point, but I think the law is as satisfactory as we can make it at the moment.
§ Mr. LeachIf the right hon. Gentleman contemplates new legislation dealing with cruelty to animals, will he see to it that it covers the cruelty involved in vivi-section?
§ Mr. MorrisonI do not so contemplate.