§ Mr. Greg KnightTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what guidance he has issued to chief constables about the use by police officers of firearms to shoot animals;
(2) what was the number of operations in which firearms were issued to police officers in England and Wales in 1987 where the firearms were used to shoot animals; how many animals were so killed; and if he will list the species involved.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe guidance issued to chief constables about the use of firearms to destroy dangerous animals is contained in a comprehensive booklet prepared by the West Yorkshire police force in conjunction with the Association of Chief Police Officers. I am arranging for a copy of that guidance to be placed in the Library.
Firearms were issued to police officers on 41 operations in England and Wales in 1987 for the destruction of animals; 44 beasts were destroyed. The species included bullocks, bulls, cows, deer, dogs, horses and pigs.