RSPCA AND PROSECUTION UNDER THE HUNTING ACT

Early day motion 929, tabled 15 January 2013 by Bob Russell (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 51 members.

That this House congratulates registered charity the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) on the successful prosecution of the Heythrop Hunt and two individual huntsmen for illegal hunting and believes that this and other prosecutions prove that the Hunting Act is an effective and enforceable piece of legislation; acknowledges with admiration the professionalism of RSPCA inspectors and the prosecutions department in investigating and dealing with complaints about animal cruelty; observes that the RSPCA only brings prosecutions as a last resort where no other course of action is possible and where it is in the public interest to prosecute; and recognises that without the RSPCA carrying out this important enforcement work animal welfare would not be so effectively promoted and protected in England and Wales.

Signatures by party: Labour 39, Liberal Democrat 8, Alliance 1, Conservative 1, Green 1, Respect 1.