Horses and Donkeys (Ill treatment) (Hansard, 30 October 1987)

§ Mr. Harry Greenway (Ealing, North)

The petition reads: 562 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— which is in the name of Mrs. Shirley Walbancke of the Horse Rescue Fund—

sheweth: That there is much ill treatment of many horses and donkeys in markets. That others are neglected and starving. That there is mass overbreeding of horses, ponies and donkeys. It has been signed by no fewer than 86,000 people from all parts of the country, including many thousands from the London area.

There is no question but that many horse markets are cruelly run, especially the Southall market, although that has improved recently. It is clear that the Farm Animal Welfare Council's standards recommended for horse markets should be immediately applied.

There is serious overbreeding because many horses, donkeys and ponies are not needed and therefore neglected. There is cruelty by neglect to horses, ponies and donkeys which are put out to areas where there is no keep for them and as a result they starve or nearly starve to death. Cruel people should be disqualified from animal ownership. The Horse Rescue Fund is trying to do something about that and I commend its efforts to the House.

Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House urge the Government to enact swiftly to remedy the present deplorable situation. And your Petitioners, as in duty hound, will ever pray, etc.