§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if he will introduce legislation to ensure that dogs are taken into care prior to any court hearing when an allegation of cruelty is made against a dog owner.
§ Mr. Peter LloydI have been asked to reply.
The court has power to make such an order after an offender has been convicted of cruelty to an animal; but we have no plans to provide for the prior removal of the animal.