HL Deb 23 January 2001 vol 621 cc8-9WA
Lord Patten

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they think that the keeping of dogs in high rise tower blocks of flats is cruel; and if so, whether they have plans to prevent it. [HL398]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

The law places the responsibility for taking care of animals on their owners or keepers, who may not cause them harm, intentionally or through neglect. Under the Protection of Animals Act 1911, it is an offence to cause any unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animal.

Since the mistreatment of animals can take many forms, the 1911 Act has been widely drawn to apply to any situation of unnecessary suffering. Any person or organisation may initiate criminal proceedings under these Acts where there is reason to believe that unnecessary suffering has been caused, or may report the matter to the police, who will decide whether or not to institute a prosecution.

There are no plans to amend the 1911 Act to make it an offence to keep a dog in a high rise tower block of flats.