§ 40. Mr. Amessasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received about the abandonment in the countryside of horses, ponies and donkeys on agricultural wasteland.
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§ Mrs. FennerI have received some representations concerning this matter.
The welfare of horses, ponies or donkeys considered to be livestock on agricultural land is protected by the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968 which makes it an offence to cause unnecessary pain or unnecessary distress to such livestock. More generally these animals, like all domestic and captive animals, have protection under the Protection of Animals Act 1911 and the Abandonment of Animals Act 1960 which are the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.