HC Deb 19 December 1985 vol 89 c664

10.2 pm

Mr. Conal Gregory (York)

I have the honour to present to the House a petition on dog fighting. Dog fighting rightly raises real concern, and my petitioners seek to show that this cruel activity is inadequately discouraged under statute law. The petition was organised by Miss H. E. Redshaw of York and carries 47 names and is addressed to The Honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled. The humble petitioners sheweth:

  1. (1) that under the protection of the Animals Act 1911. the penalties for causing or procuring animals to fight are not commensurate with the barbarity of such illegal cruelty.
  2. (2) that there is no restriction on the importation, sale or advertising of dogs favoured by those involved in dog fighting.
Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House will take all such measures as lie within their power specifically

  1. (1) to substantially increase the penalties for those convicted of causing, procuring or assisting the fighting or baiting or any animal. (Protection of Animals Act 1911, section 1(c).
  2. (2) to introduce mandatory disqualifications of ownership and custody of any animal for those convicted of such offences.
  3. (3) to ban the importation, sale and advertising of Pit Bull Terriers
  4. (4) to prohibit the advertising of any Bull Dog's fighting qualities', 'gameness' or other descriptions which might attract dogfighting enthusiasts.
To lie upon the Table.