§ Mr. CAMPBELLasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to a letter from Lord Lambourne in the "Daily Mail" of 9th February referring to a case of great cruelty to a horse; and whether he will consider the advisability of altering the law so that heavier penalties may be inflicted in this and similar cases?
§ Mr. SHORTTThe law allows much heaver penalties to be inflicted than the fine of £5 imposed in this case. The offender may be fined £25, or imprisoned for three months, or suffer both penalties; but the penalty to be imposed in the individual case must depend on the circumstances and be left to the discretion of the justices. I cannot interfere with that discretion.