§ Mr. Richard Wainwrightasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what duties he has placed on local authorities to ensure that animals tethered on common ground do not suffer during periods of adverse weather conditions;
(2) what statutory powers he has to require owners of horses and other animals tethered on common ground to make reasonable provision for the welfare of their animals, especially in winter; and if he will seek further powers for this purpose.
§ Mr. StrangUnder the Protection of Animals Act 1911, for which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department has administrative responsibility in England and Wales, and under the similar Scottish Act of 1912, it is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animal. Under Part I of the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968, for which my right hon. Friend the Minister shares responsibility with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales, it is an offence to cause unnecessary pain or distress to livestock kept commercially on agricultural land. My right hon. Friends and I consider that these safeguards provide suitable protection for animals in the circumstances described.