§ Mr. CoakerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the number of prosecutions for cruelty to farm animals in each of the last five years; and if he will list the powers under which such prosecutions may be made. [5182]
§ Mr. MorleyThe Reports of the Chief Veterinary Officer have recorded the following figures for prosecutions relating to the welfare of animals on farm in Great Britain in which the State Veterinary Service (SVS) has been involved:
- 1992: 120
- 1993: 111
- 1994: 112
- 1995: 127
- 1996: 105.
The figures are for prosecutions on which the State Veterinary Service has worked in liaison with the police, local authorities and other agencies.
The figures for 1992–94 are for successful prosecutions; those for 1995 and 1996 are for prosecutions initiated.
The relevant powers are contained in the Protection of Animals Act 1911, the Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1912, and the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968.