§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Brigg and Goole (Mr. Cawsey) of 25 January 1999,Official Report, column 75, what plans he has to extend animal welfare legislation to circus animals in winter quarters. [69494]
§ Mr. George HowarthCircus animals in winter quarters are protected by the Protection of Animals Act 1911, under which it is a criminal offence to ill-treat or cause any unnecessary suffering to any captive or domestic animal, and by the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act 1925. We are still studying the all party group for animal welfare's report on circus animals.