HC Deb 01 February 1952 vol 495 c65W
Mr. Nield

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will consider taking steps to increase the penalties which may be imposed in the magistrates' courts upon those who are convicted of cruelty to animals.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

The law provides for a maximum penalty of three months' imprisonment, either in addition, or as an alternative, to a fine of £25. Where the owner of an animal is convicted of cruelty to it, a court has power to deprive him of ownership. I have no reason to think that these maximum penalties are not adequate.