§ Mrs. GilroyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the plans for shooting enthusiasts to kill wild boar on private land near Tiverton, Devon; and what representations he has received on this matter. [45103]
§ Angela EagleI have been asked to reply.
The Government have not been consulted about this proposal. The responsibility for licensing the keeping of wild animals, including wild boars, rests with local authorities. The control of the keeping of firearms is a matter for the police in this context.
It is not an offence to kill a wild boar humanely. However, under the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996, it would be an offence to inflict unnecessary suffering on a boar.
My Department has received an inquiry from the League Against Cruel Sports on this matter.