§ 103. Brigadier Medlicottasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware of the unnecessary suffering caused to unweaned pony foals by their being prematurely taken away from their mares and sold for slaughter; and if he will introduce legislation to prevent a continuance of this form of cruelty.
§ Sir H. Lucas-ToothMy right hon. and learned Friend has caused inquiries to be made and is informed that the police have no evidence to suggest that unnecessary suffering is caused to pony foals by this means. It is an offence under the Protection of Animals Act, 1911, to ill-treat, or to cause unnecessary suffering to, any domestic or captive animal, and the police would not hesitate to take action if the necessary evidence were forthcoming.