§ Lord Houghton of Sowerbyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether local authorities using commercial kennels for the temporary housing and eventual disposal of stray dogs make it a condition of the contract that Section 3(5) of the Dogs Act 1906 (which prohibits the sale of stray dogs for vivisection) shall be strictly observed.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, I tome Office (Lord Elton)While it is not known whether local authorities using commercial kennels for the housing of stray dogs make it a condition of the contract that such dogs shall not be sold or otherwise disposed of for the purpose of scientific experiments, such a condition is not necessary since Section 3(5) of the Dogs Act 1906 makes such disposal an offence. Any evidence of possible contraventions of that provision ought to be drawn to the attention of the local police. If the noble Lord is aware of grounds for concern in any particular area and would let me have details, my honourable friend will make inquiries.