HC Deb 21 January 1971 vol 809 cc1261-2
19. Mr. Cohen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will call for reports from chief constables as to the steps they are taking to encourage police forces throughout the country to establish dog-catching units to deal with stray and neglected animals.

Mr. Sharples

The police do what they can, consistently with their other duties, to enforce the law relating to stray dogs. My right hon. Friend sees no scope for extending their responsibilities in this regard.

Mr. Cohen

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his reply will cause very much concern both in Leeds and throughout the country since people are worried about the increasing numbers of stray and neglected animals wandering about singly and in pairs? Is he also aware that, apart from the nuisance involved, these animals present constant hazards to motorists and often are a menace to the general public? Could he assure the House that, in the light of the information available, he is prepared to reconsider the matter so as to reassure the public?

Mr. Sharples

No, Sir. The main onus is on those who callously abandon their dogs.

Mr. Wilkinson

Could the hon. Gentleman give a direction to chief constables to inform neighbouring forces so that when a dog is caught, say, in Bradford and its owner is in Leeds, the owner could make an inquiry at Bradford police station and would know that the dog had strayed to Leeds, because at present there is no provision for owners to be so informed?

Mr. Sharples

Bearing in mind all the other problems which the police have at present, the suggestion might present some difficulties.

Mr. William Price

Is not the real problem the fact that people can purchase dogs without giving adequate consideration to the responsibility involved and the problems which can arise from ownership of an animal? Would it not be possible to consider the possibility of people having to acquire a licence before they acquire a dog?

Mr. Sharples

The problem to a certain extent is compounded by people who acquire dogs without having given adequate thought to it, and the onus for the appalling cruelty involved falls very largely upon them.