§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment he has made of the video produced by Animal Defenders on the treatment of animals in circuses, a copy of which has been sent to him; [29132]
347W(2) if he will make it his policy to ban the use of animals in circuses; [29131]
(3) what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the legislation in respect of the welfare protection afforded to circus animals. [29133]
§ Mr. George HowarthI understand that the video and other material have been passed to the police. It would not, therefore, be appropriate for me to comment on Animal Defenders' allegations.
The Protection of Animals Act 1911 makes it an offence to ill-treat or cause any unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animal. The maximum penalties for offences under the Act are a fine of £5,000, or six months' imprisonment, or both. The court may, in addition, deprive a person of ownership of an animal and order its removal if it is satisfied that to leave the animal with the owner would expose it to further cruelty.
In addition, the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925 requires trainers and exhibitors of animals to be registered with the local authority. Under this Act, the police and officers of local authorities (who may include veterinary surgeons) have the power to enter and inspect premises where animals are being trained and exhibited. If cruelty or neglect is found, magistrates' courts can prohibit or restrict the training or exhibition of the animals and suspend or cancel the registration granted to the trainer or exhibitor.
These are widely based legislative provisions which apply to travelling circuses and winter or training quarters.
The All Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare is currently preparing a full report on the welfare of circus animals. The Government will consider carefully any recommendations.