§ Mr. Michael Marshallasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been prosecuted for keeping dangerous animals; and under what statute they were prosecuted.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe only statutory offences of keeping dangerous animals apply to dogs. In addition, at common law, if the circumstances in which an animal is kept constitute a threat to the safety of the public an offence of public nuisance may be committed. In 1973, the latest year for which figures are available, there were no proceedings at common law. The information in relation to statutory provisions is as follows:
PROCEEDINGS AT MAGISTRATES' COURTS FOR ALLOWING DOGS TO COMMIT VARIOUS OFFEN CES: ENGLAND AND WALES 1973 Offence Persons proceeded against Allowing dangerous or rabid dogs to be at large, or urging dogs to attack a person or animal (Town Police Clauses Act 1847, s.28) 87 Allowing dogs to worry livestock (Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953) 1,184