Written question asked by Lady Hermon (Ulster Unionist Party) on Friday, 17 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 19 October 2004. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 October 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what financial or other assistance will be offered by the Government to the owners of greyhounds affected by an immediate ban on hare coursing in England and Wales under the Hunting Bill.

Answer: Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what financial or other assistance will be offered by the Government to the owners of greyhounds affected by an immediate ban on hare coursing in England and Wales under the Hunting Bill. [189748] Alun Michael: The Government is not providing financial compensation to accompany this Bill because nobody is being deprived of their property as a result of it. Dogs and other property currently used for hare coursing events can continue to be used for other legal purposes. However, the Government recognises that the Bill will affect the owners of dogs that currently engage in hunting and coursing and is ready to explore ways in which they might be assisted to avoid the unnecessary destruction of healthy animals. The Government is very grateful for the RSPCA's offer to help re-home dogs no longer wanted as a result of this Bill. The RSPCA has considerable previous experience in successfully re- homing retired racing greyhounds.

Secondary information