§ Mr. LOUGHasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he will consider the possibility of abolishing or materially shortening the period of quarantine at present enforced against dogs coming into this country; whether the Regulations apply to toy and other pet dogs; whether any cases of rabies have been detected in any dog during the period of quarantine within the last two years, and, if; so, how many; and whether he can state the average expense of the system by which the Regulations are carried out to the owner of the dog?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe period of quarantine prescribed for dogs imported into this country was fixed after careful observation, and scientific study, and cannot safely be reduced. The Regulations apply to all kinds of dogs. No cases of rabies have occurred during the period of quarantine within the last two years. The cost of the quarantine is a matter for arrangement between the owner and the veterinary surgeon, and varies according to the size of the dog and other circumstances; the Board have no information from which the average cost could be computed.