Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Paula Sherriff and Michael Gove

Thursday 26th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[Michael Gove]

My hon. Friend makes a very good point. Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic have similar sentences, and it is also the case that similar sentences apply in other Commonwealth jurisdictions, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand. It is a sign of our capacity to learn from other nations, both within and outside the European Union, about what a genuinely progressive approach to animal welfare might be.

[Paula Sherriff (Dewsbury) (Lab)]

5. How many culled badgers have been found to be infected with tuberculosis since new cull licences were issued in September 2017.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Paula Sherriff and Michael Gove

Thursday 20th July 2017 Commons Chamber

[Michael Gove]

I am actively reviewing this matter. As my hon. Friend knows, I am not someone who will automatically reach for stronger criminal sanctions as the only route to dealing with a problem, but there are particular cases of animal cruelty where we may well need to revisit the existing criminal sanctions in order to ensure that the very worst behaviour is dealt with using the full force of the law.

[Paula Sherriff (Dewsbury) (Lab)]

Across the country, complaints are still frequently made to the police concerning the killing and chasing of foxes and hares by hounds as part of organised hunts. What steps will the Secretary of State take to ensure better enforcement of the Hunting Act 2004, which clearly represents the will of the British people?

[Michael Gove]

The law of the land must always be enforced without fear or favour.