Animal Welfare

HC Deb 16 March 1994 vol 239 cc669-70W

Mr. Morley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the statutes concerning the welfare of captive animals in terms of(a) circuses, (b) zoos, (c) pet shops, (d) breeding establishments, (e) kennels, (f) residential homes and (g) other.

Mr. Charles Wardle

The Protection of Animals Act 1911, as subsequently amended, governs the welfare of all captive and domestic animals. The following statutes provide additional safeguards in the individual sectors mentioned:

• The Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925
• The Zoo Licensing Act 1981
• The Pet Animals Acts 1951 and 1983
• The Breeding of Dogs Acts 1973 and 1991
• The Animal Boarding Establishments Act 1963

The Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 regulates the keeping of such creatures in the home. Other principal animal welfare statutes are:

• The Cinematograph Films (Animals) Act 1937
• The Docking and Nicking of Horses Act 1949
• The Cockfighting Act 1952
• The Abandonment of Animals Act 1960
• The Animals (Cruel Poisons) Act 1962
• The Riding Establishments Acts 1964 and 1970
• The Farriers (Registration) Acts 1975 and 1977
• The Protection Against Cruel Tethering Act 1988