§ Mr. CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will introduce legislation to amend the Protection of Animals (Amendment) Act 1988 so that persons who organise, aid and abet or watch dog fights face either a prison sentence or community care orders to assist such bodies as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on conviction; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe have no proposals for amending the present law. Organising or attending a dog fight is an offence under the Protection of Animals Act 1911. The maximum penalty for organising a dog fight is six months imprisonment or a fine of £2,000 or both. The maximum penalty for attending a dog fight is a fine of £1,000. With imprisonable offences, where the offender is aged 16 or over, the courts may make a community service order. The work performed under the order is a matter for the probation service. It may include work with a voluntary body like the RSPCA.