§ 3. Rev. Martin SmythIf she will extend the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 to Northern Ireland. [32129]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. Tony Worthington)Yes. The Government propose to introduce legislation equivalent to the 1976 Act under the Order in Council process.
§ Rev. Martin SmythI welcome that answer, but will legislation be introduced very soon? Although some of us believed that the days of Buck Alec's wee lion were over, we discover now that—in Seskinore and in other parts of Northern Ireland—people are keeping wild animals in abysmal circumstances, which are detrimental to animals and dangerous for people.
§ Mr. WorthingtonYes, it is a disturbing case and I have discussed the matter with the noble Lord Dubs, who is the Minister responsible. He is doing everything he can to bring forward legislation as quickly as possible.