HL Deb 25 April 1984 vol 451 cc137-8WA
Lord Houghton of Sowerby

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What action is being taken on the recent disclosures of unsatisfactory conditions in cattle markets in the recent report of the Inspectors of the RSPCA.

Lord Belstead

We have noted the recent RSPCA report. I know that the Farm Animal Welfare Council will be paying the closest attention to the report during its current examination of the welfare of livestock in markets. Existing legislation, which is enforced by local authorities and by the police, places an obligation on those in charge of animals in markets not to subject them to cruelty or unnecessary suffering, as well as laying down detailed requirements. Anyone who believes he has witnessed an offence should report it at once to the enforcement authorities.