Mr. De la Bèreasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware of the inadequate sentences passed by magistrates in cases of cruelty 10 dogs and their failure to make orders prohibiting offenders holding a dog licence in the future; and if he will take steps to call the attention of all magistrates to their powers under the Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) Act, 1933.
§ Mr. EdeI have no evidence that the courts are not aware of their powers under the Act referred to or are failing to pass adequate sentences or to make use of their power to order disqualification in cases of this kind. I therefore see no need to send any special communication to courts generally.