Written question asked by Lord Coaker (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 26 June 1997. It was answered by Elliot Morley (Labour) on Thursday, 26 June 1997 on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food.

Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food

Question: If he will comment on the number of prosecutions for cruelty to farm animals in each of the last five years; and if he will list the powers under which such prosecutions may be made.

Answer: Mr. Coaker: To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the number of prosecutions for cruelty to farm animals in each of the last five years; and if he will list the powers under which such prosecutions may be made. [5182] Mr. Morley: The Reports of the Chief Veterinary Officer have recorded the following figures for prosecutions relating to the welfare of animals on farm in Great Britain in which the State Veterinary Service (SVS) has been involved: 1992: 120 1993: 111 1994: 112 1995: 127 1996: 105. The figures are for prosecutions on which the State Veterinary Service has worked in liaison with the police, local authorities and other agencies. The figures for 1992-94 are for successful prosecutions; those for 1995 and 1996 are for prosecutions initiated. The relevant powers are contained in the Protection of Animals Act 1911, the Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1912, and the Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5182; 296 c630W;296 c632W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Abuse Animals Livestock Livestock industry
Legislation: Agriculture (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1968; Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1912; Protection of Animals Act 1911
Contains statistics: Yes