§ 31. Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to enable courts to impose a ban on the keeping of animals by persons found guilty of offences involving abuse of or cruelty towards domestic animals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe are keen to ensure that effective penalties are available for all instances of cruelty to domestic animals. At present the court may disqualify a person from keeping a dog on first conviction for cruelty and other animals on a second or subsequent conviction. We are ready to consider support for proposals to make disqualification available in all instances on first conviction and the necessary consultations are now taking place.