asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what statutory powers are available to Government and local authorities to investigate and take action on allegations of neglect or mistreatment of animals and birds kept in zoos and safari parks.

Such allegations would suggest that offences under the Protection of Animals Act 1911 or the Protection of Animals (Scotland) Act 1912 might have been committed. The primary responsibility for enforcing those Acts rest on the police. There are no other relevant powers available to central or local government.