HC Deb 07 March 2003 vol 400 cc1311-2W
Norman Baker

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what action his Department is taking to increase detection and prosecution rates for crimes against animals. [100358]

Mr. Morley

I have been asked to reply.

As part of the review of animal welfare legislation leading to an Animal Welfare Bill we are considering measures to improve existing powers to investigate allegations of cruelty. We are also considering the introduction of more proactive legislation that allows earlier intervention where an animal is being kept in such a way that suffering is inevitable.