§ Lord Calthorpe moved the second reading of the bill for preventing Cruelty to Animals.
The Earl of Rosslynwas not aware of the existence of this bill, but he was far from approving of it. Under the provisions of the laws which were passing on this subject, it would soon be impossible to tame a horse. If a man were to cut a horse's tail or ears, according to this bill he would be guilty of a misdemeanour. He objected to the increase of the penal laws, and disapproved of the principle of teaching people humanity by law.
Lord Suffieldwished the bill to pass, because it limited the discretion at present possessed by the magistrates. As the law now Mood, a man could be fined 5l. for cutting the tail of his horse.
Lord Culthorpesaid, there was a great distinction between compelling men by law to be humane, and preventing them from being cruel.
§ The bill was read a second time.