Written question asked by Madeleine Moon (Labour) on Tuesday, 17 January 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 January 2017. It was answered by Brandon Lewis (Conservative) on Thursday, 19 January 2017 on behalf of the Home Office.

Police: Animals

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent discussions she has had with the (a) Ministry of Justice and (b) Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on penalties available for those convicted of causing injury to police support animals; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: This Government is clear that an attack on a police animal is a very serious offence. Whilst severe penalties are already in place to punish those who commit such crimes I am exploring with Ministerial colleagues and police leaders whether there is more that the law should do to offer the most appropriate protections to police and all other working animals. I have written to Ministerial colleagues at the Ministry of Justice and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and will be meeting with them in due course to consider options further.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 60285
Session: 2016-17
Subjects: Animals Convictions Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Injuries Police Ministry of Justice
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk