§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what information he has as to the conduct of horse rodeos in south-west England; what action he is taking to prevent cruelty to horses used in such rodeos; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe have no information on such events. However, under the Protection of Animals Act 1934 it is an offence to promote or permit a public performance which includes throwing or casting, with ropes or other appliances, any unbroken horse; or to ride or attempt to ride any horse which has been cruelly stimulated to make it buck. More generally, the Protection of Animals Act 1911 makes it an offence to cause, or being the owner permit to be caused, any unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animal.