Mr. Martin Blake:

It is difficult to say how widespread it is. I can say with certainty that the Department has not received any report alleging cruelty or concerning the welfare of an animal in regard to ear cropping. We have an animal welfare helpline. We have not received any such report. The information we have comes from the animal welfare charities in regard to the number of dogs they see. I am aware of one incident in respect of which we have supported an investigation and carried forward a prosecution. There may have been more in the past, but I cannot recall offhand. The aforementioned case was in regard to a person who had admitted to having cropped the ears off a dog, in respect of which the case was taken before the courts.

On the basis of what was discussed earlier, there are a number of issues that are coming into the public consciousness that we will need to respond to. We are committed to responding to them. The Minister will bring forward legislation on a number of these types of issues later this year.