HL Deb 18 July 1907 vol 178 cc810-1

[SECOND READING.]

Order of the day for the Second Reading read.

*LORD ABERDARE

My Lords, this Bill is a vary short one, and in view of the important matters which are coming before your Lordships I will not occupy more than a minute or two in describing its objects. It is a Bill to amend and enlarge the Injured Animals Act, 1894. That Act provided for the slaughter of injured horses, mules, or asses by or by order of the police, and it is proposed in this Bill that the definition of "animal" shall also include any bull, cow, ox, heifer, calf, sheep, goat, or swine. A case arose in which a heifer had fallen into a quarry, and a merciful police constable who shot it in order to put it out of its pain was proceeded against and fined £9. I am sure your Lordships will agree that this was a rather cruel sentence for an act of mercy. Moreover, the Act of 1894 did not provide for the case of diseased animals, but they are included in this Bill. The Bill has passed through the House of Commons, and I hope your Lordships will agree to give it a Second Reading.

Moved, "That the Bill be now read 2a."— (Lord Aberdare.)

EARL BEAUCHAMP

My Lords, I need only say that His Majesty's Government will be very glad to do all in their power to assist the noble Lord in passing this Bill through your Lordships' House.

On Question, Bill read 2a and committed to a Committee of the Whole House on Monday next.