§ 5. Mr. Hicksasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider introducing legislation governing the standards and conditions of premises used for dog breeding.
§ Mr. CarlisleMy right hon. Friend is not persuaded that the introduction of legislation for this purpose is necessary.
§ Mr. HicksIs my hon. and learned Friend aware of the anxiety about this problem felt nationally, and particularly in Cornwall, from both the public health and the animal welfare aspect? Does he agree that it is both logical and desirable to have legislation parallel to that for dog boarding kennels?
§ Mr. CarlisleI am aware of the publicity in the Press on this matter concerning a kennel in Cornwall. Any case of cruelty or neglect in breeding establishments or elsewhere is covered by the Protection of Animals Act, 1911.
§ Mr. William PriceIs the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware of the growing concern about the care and treatment of animals generally and the astonishment at the leniency with which the most wicked crimes are often treated 1494 by the courts? Is it not time for a Home Office inquiry into all animal welfare?
§ Mr. CarlisleIt would be improper for me to comment on the individual sentence in any individual case, but the home Office is responsible for maximum penalties which are available to the courts. I did not know that there was any problem, but I will willingly look into it.