§ Sir R. GOWERasked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the inadequate penalties inflicted in many cases on persons convicted for gross cruelty to animals; and whether he will consider amending the law so as to increase the penalties that may be imposed?
§ Sir V. HENDERSONIt is sometimes suggested that the penalties inflicted are inadequate, but my right hon. Friend does not think there is ground for amending the law. The existing maximum penalty of three months, with the possibility of a fine up to £25 in addition, was substituted by Parliament in 1912 for the higher maximum of six months originally fixed by the Act of 1911, and my right hon. Friend does not think that a return to the higher maximum is needed or generally desired.