SECOND READING. (Hansard, 9 May 1876)

THE MARQUESS OF HUNTLY,

in moving that the Bill be now read the second time, said, that the object of the measure, which had come up from the Commons, was to prevent the administration of poisonous drugs to horses and other animals by unqualified persons without the knowledge and consent of the owners. As was well known to their Lordships, wag goners, grooms, and other servants having the care of horses frequently administered drugs for the purpose of improving their coats, and for other purposes. Too frequently the operation of these drugs was injurious or fatal to the animals subjected to it: and he had letters from farmers and landlords in the Midland Counties stating that the practice was very common there and had resulted in very heavy pecuniary losses. The first clause of the Bill—which was the only operative clause—provided that if any person wilfully and unlawfully administered to any horse, cattle, or domestic animals any poisonous or injurious drug, unless reasonable cause be shown, he should be liable on summary conviction to a penalty of £5, or imprisonment in the case of a first offence for one month, or for a subsequent offence three months, with or without hard labour. The Bill had met with general approval in the other House of Parliament, and he trusted it would pass through their Lordships' House without opposition.