§ 13. Mr. Burdenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take steps to amend the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973, in order to ensure that breeding establishments for dogs provide bedding materials and adequate exercise.
§ Dr. SummerskillNo, Sir. The Act already requires the licensing authority to have regard to such matters before granting a licence and to attach appropriate conditions to the licence. The authority has power under the Act to inspect licensed premises to ensure that these conditions are complied with.
§ Mr. BurdenIs the hon. Lady aware that under the Breeding of Dogs Act 1973 it is mandatory for people breeding dogs to supply bedding and to give them exercise? Is she aware that at the Oxford Laboratory Animals Centre at Capel Isaac, where beagles are bred for vivisection in this country and abroad, after they are six weeks old and until they are sold for vivisection at between 16 and 20 weeks they are given neither bedding nor exercise? Will she see that this matter is put right.
§ Dr. SummerskillI understand that the firm that the hon. Gentleman has mentioned holds a licence under the Act. The licensing authority will doubtless take the conditions which exist there into account when determining whether there has been a contravention of any condition of the licence. Also, there is the Protection of Animals Act, 1911, which makes it an offence to cause an animal unnecessary suffering.
§ Mr. MellishWill my hon. Friend be good enough to get our priorities right and have a chat with the Secretary of State for the Environment to make sure that equipment and bedding are provided for homeless families before we start messing about with dogs?