§ Diana OrganTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what information she collates on the imposition of penalties for equine cruelty on a regional basis; and what plans she has to take further measures on equine cruelty. [98037]
§ Mr. MorleyThere are no procedures in place for regularly collating information relating to the imposition of penalties for equine cruelty offences on a regional basis. Annual statistics relate to England and Wales as a whole.
We are undertaking a review of animal welfare law with a view to modernising and consolidating it into an Animal Welfare Bill. The review includes looking at ways to improve the welfare of captive and domestic animals, including equine species, and to reduce acts of cruelty.
§ Diana OrganTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will bring forward proposals for an automatic lifetime ban on keeping horses following a conviction for cruelty. [98048]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Protection of Animals Act 1911 (as amended) provides that the court may disqualify a person convicted from having custody of any animal for such a period, as it thinks fit. There is no upper limit on the period of disqualification which a court may impose.
I am undertaking a review of all existing animal welfare legislation—including the 1911 Act—with a view to the introduction of a Bill that will consolidate and modernise these laws in a single Act. This review includes the penalties available to the courts. No decisions have been taken concerning the contents of the Bill which will be issued in draft for public consultation before it is considered by Parliament.