§ Mr. Harry Greenway (Ealing, North)I beg to ask leave to present a petition on the subject of dog fighting, standing in the name of Mr. R. Blower of 65 Bourne View, Greenford, Middlesex, in my constituency. It is signed by many of my constituents, and by many others beyond it. It says:
To the Honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled. The Humble Petition of Citizens of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, sheweth:The whole House and country are aware of the disgraceful dog fighting which has been promoted and for which people have been convicted and sentenced, but for short sentences of only two months. The country seeks much stronger sentences for those convicted of this disgraceful and vicious behaviour. It is to that end that I present this petition this morning. It has my wholehearted support and, I am sure, that of all hon. Members. It goes on to say:
- (1) That under the Protection of Animals Act 1911, the penalties for causing or procuring animals to fight are not commensurate with the barbarity of such illegal cruelty.
- (2) That there is no restriction on the importation, sale or advertising of dogs favoured by those involved in dogfighting.
Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House will take all such measures as lie within their powerAnd your petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.
- (1) To substantially increase the penalties for those convicted of causing, procuring or assisting at the fighting or baiting of any animal.
- (2) To introduce mandatory disqualification of ownership and custody of any animal for those convicted of such offences.
- (3) To ban the importation, sale and advertising of Pit Bull Terriers.
- (4) To prohibit the advertising of any Bull Dog's "fighting qualities", "gameness" or other such descriptions which might attract dogfighting enthusiasts.
§ To lie upon the Table.