Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Caroline Spelman (Conservative). It was answered on Thursday, 31 October 2019 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

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Animal Cruelty

Question

That is very kind of you, Mr Speaker. I will save my tribute for the right time, in due course.

Unfortunately, as colleagues with rural constituencies may know, at this time of the year there is a steep rise in the number of abandoned horses as winter approaches. A couple of weeks ago I personally dealt with four abandoned ponies, including two foals barely weaned at 12 weeks. They were in a terrible condition: their feet had never been trimmed, their ribs were showing, and they had lice and mites. I had to get them rehomed.

I welcome the Government’s proposals to take a tougher line with those who abuse animals in this way, but can my right hon. Friend reassure me—gently, given the problem with her voice today—that the Government will support the police and local authorities in taking action and enforcing the law on these criminals?

Answer

I can of course give my right hon. Friend that assurance. This is a worrying problem, and we are keen to engage with the charities that are involved in trying to address the issue. I wish her well in her retirement and thank her for that question.

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Secondary information

Type

Oral question

Reference

667 c480 

Session

2019-19

Oral question type

Supplementary

Chamber / Committee

House of Commons chamber

Subjects

Animal welfare

Link

View this Oral question on hansard.parliament.uk