§ Mr. AingerTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will ensure that the Welfare of Livestock Regulations 1994 relating to the docking of pigs' tails is properly enforced by inspectors and veterinarians at abattoirs; and if he will make a statement; [13943]
(2) how many farmers have been prosecuted under the Welfare of Livestock Regulations 1994 for the illegal docking of pigs' tails in (a) 1995–96 and (b) 1996–97; and if he will make a statement. [13942]
§ Mr. MorleyI am keen to discourage the routine tail docking of piglets, a practice which is far too prevalent considering that the law only permits it in certain circumstances. I am considering how best to achieve this. No prosecutions relating to the docking of tails have been brought by MAFF under schedule 3 of the Welfare of Livestock Regulations 1994 during 1995–96 or 1996–97. Prosecutions brought by local authorities or other bodies are not recorded centrally.