§ 29. Sir J. Lucasasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been drawn to the remarks on 27th May of Sir Gervais Rentoul when convicting a dog trainer of the international circus for cruelty; and whether he will see that the act concerned is withdrawn?
§ Mr. H. MorrisonI have seen news reports of these remarks. Power to suppress the training or exhibtion of a performing lies not with me but with a court of summary jurisdiction, which, on complaint of cruelty in these connections by a constable or officer of a local authority, has power by order to prohibit the training or exhibition, or to impose conditions thereon. Further, in addition to, or in lieu of, a penalty imposed for an offence under the Protection of Animals Act, 1911, the Court has power to order the removal of the offender's name from the Performing Animals Register, or order his permanent or temporary disqualification from registration.