THE SPORT OF RAT-KILLING.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIII, Issue 215, 7 September 1912, Page 17

THE SPORT OF RAT-KILLING.

PROSECUTION'S FOR CRUELTY. Remarkable evidence was given at Loicester I'olire Court a few weeks ago, in a case in which. Walter Mnn&hip, aged fiftynine, of Soar lane; Richard' Cox, aged sixty-two, of Filbert Street; Israel Smith, aged fifty, of Livingstone Street; Ernest ■Mmiship, aged twenty-four, of Lough'tou Street; and Joseph Ward, of llhirkloy. 'were charged with causing unnecessary suffering to three nits. Mr. W. Simpson, on behalf of the R.S.I'.CiA., said the Itcnch would be surprised to hc:ir that there was still a rat pit in Leicester. The '•nnniseinsut" was patronised by hundreds of persons. Walter Munßhlp .was the proprietor of the "r»t pit." which was situated in Soar Lane. On Whit Monday there was a rat killing sw-eepst.ike for dogs between Gib. and 211-b.

An inspector of the R.S.P.C.A. stated that on Whit -Monday he 'went to .Walter Manehip's premises, where about 200 people were assembled. Half a dozen rats were pla-ctKl In the pit with a dog, and two were killed, one was thrown out among the spectators a-nd escaped, and throe -n-cre badly injured. The tails of the three injured rals were smashed with a pole by Cox, ill order to see whether they were alive, and if they moved the dos was disqualified, :

Mjinslilp snide had -been carrying on the sport for forty-three yesirs witfliout any (interference from the police. Cox said lie had been refereelng for thirty years.

Walter Manship was fhiod £10 and ccets, Cox £"> and costs, and the others were ordered to pay the costs.