§ Mr. Emeryasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what evidence he has concerning the theft of domestic pets which are subsequently sold or used for medical experiment; what record he has of convictions for such offences; what action the plans to take to stop this practice; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesFigures for England and Wales, for offences of stealing animals ordinarily kept in a state of confinement or for domestic purposes, under Sections 18, 21 or 23 of the Larceny Act, 1861, are as follows:
Number of offences known to the police Number of persons found guilty 1964 527 123 1965 487 118 1966 512 127 1967 661 120 1968 927 177 It is also an offence to receive stolen animals, and laboratory authorities purchasing animals from dealers are conscious of the need to ensure that their supplies have been properly obtained. I propose to make some further enquiries of the police about the incidence of pet-stealing for disposal to experimental laboratories.
71W