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WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT BY DEPUTY K.C. LEWIS OF ST. SAVIOUR
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY, 24th OCTOBER 2006
Question
Following the recent show-jumping event at which some person or persons gave a sedative drug to at least four ponies does the Minister intend to bring forward for approval proposals to make it illegal to administer drugs to horses and ponies unless this is done or authorised by a veterinary surgeon, to ensure that no injuries to riders can occur as a result of a sedative being administered by an unauthorised person and, if not, why not?
Answer
I recognise the concerns that this case has raised in some quarters and add my own condemnation of the alleged actions.
The Protection of Animals (Jersey) Law 1980 contains provisions to protect animals from cruelty but the administration of a sedative would not generally pass the test of causing unnecessary suffering to animals.
There are a variety of different scenarios relating to animal doping both during competitive events and outside. It would be very difficult to draft legislation to cover all scenarios. It would also cause serious difficulties to amend the law so as to provide that only a veterinary surgeon in person can administer medicines to animals. Therefore whilst I will continue to look into this matter I do not presently intend to bring forward proposals.