§ Lord Houghton of Sowerbyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they propose to seek a renewal of confidence at the forthcoming general election on their indifferent record on animal protection.
§ Lord EltonThe Government rejects the noble Lord's reference to their record on animal protection, action on which has been set out in replies to questions from him on previous occasions. The Government will continue to act effectively where it is necessary.
§ Lord Houghton of Sowerbyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are aware that the growing size, cost and distress of the destruction of animals is meeting with increasing revulsion and resistance within bodies created and supported by voluntary effort and whether they will undertake consultations with all concerned to consider practical ways of averting the crisis which will arise from the inability or refusal of voluntary societies to continue to do what the Chairman of the RSPCA recently referred to as "the public's dirty work";
Whether they are aware that owing to increased costs numerous animal rescue centres, sanctuaries and societies are losing their capacity to cope with the growing burden of the painful consequences of neglect and callous treatment of domestic pets, and what statutory or discretionary service of Government or local authority agencies is available to 1159WA support, supplement or replace the efforts of voluntary societies in this task; and
What responsibilities rest upon what authorities for the destruction of unwanted, rejected, or stray domestic animals, in particular cats and dogs.
§ Lord EltonThe Government fully appreciate the valuable contribution made by voluntary societies to the welfare of animals and the problems which the societies face. However, their policies are matters for the members and the governing bodies and it would not be center for the Government to become involved in their internal affairs. The Government therefore have no plans to undertake the proposed consultations. The Protection of Animals Acts 1911 to 1964, including the Abandonment of Animals Act 1960 (and the equivalent legislation in Scotland), are designed to safeguard domestic and captive animals against unnecessary suffering. Responsibility for the administration of legislation to protect the welfare of animals is generally a matter for central or local government, as appropriate. Offences committed under animal welfare legislation are the responsibility of the police and the courts.
Central Government and local authorities have no special responsibilities for the destruction of domestic animals. Section 2 of the Protection of Animals Act 1911 empowers the courts to direct the destruction of an animal where the owner has been convicted of an offence of cruelty and where it would be cruel to keep the animal alive. There are provisions under the Dogs Act 1871 and the Dogs Act 1906 for the police and the courts to arrange for the destruction in certain circumstances of stray dogs.