§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under what legislation people who are cruel to animals may be prosecuted; and if she will make a statement. [134594]
§ Mr. Bradshaw [holding answer 27 October 2003]A person can be prosecuted for cruelty to animals under the Protection of Animals Act 1911 (in England and Wales, 1912 Act in Scotland) in relation to acts of cruelty against captive and domestic animals; the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 in relation to acts of 287W cruelty against wild mammals; the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) in relation to acts of cruelty against other wild animals; and the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 in relation to acts of cruelty against badgers.
My Department is currently reviewing the legislation relating to the welfare of captive animals with the intention of updating and consolidating it into one statute—the Animal Welfare Act. Offences of cruelty and the associated penalties are included as part of the review.