HL Deb 26 October 1982 vol 435 c476WA
Lord Houghton of Sowerby

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the Protection of Animals Act 1911 or any other Act provides protection to horses used in show jumping against ill-treatment and injury caused by raising the height of the jumps to levels which are likely to cause unnecessary suffering: and

Whether the doping of horses, competing in show jumping, with Phenyl Butazone or other painkilling drugs to enable them to continue in competitions in spite of injury contravenes the law.

Lord Elton

The Protction of Animals Acts 1911 to 1964 (and the equivalent legislation in Scotland) provide for the protection of horses used in show jumping against offences of unnecessary suffering. It is for the courts to decide whether the actions referred to constitute offences under the Act.