HL Deb 10 May 2002 vol 634 c205WA
Lord Geddes

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Whitty on 29 April (WA71–72), whether they currently believe there is a distinction to be drawn between "cruelty" and "suffering" in relation to animals; and [HL4147]

Further to the Written Answer by Lord Whitty on 29 April (WA71–72), whether they consider "cruelty" in relation to animals to be a subjective or scientific matter. [HL4148]

Lord Whitty

Central to the legal definition of cruelty to animals is the concept of "causing unnecessary suffering". This concept is contained in existing animal protection legislation such as the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996.

In their consideration of cruelty the courts have held that this is an objective matter.