ANIMALS' WELFARE WEEK.

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 17938, 5 December 1923, Page 9

ANIMALS' WELFARE WEEK.

TO THE EDITOR OP 'THE rBESS."

Sir, —A humane resident of Oarooru has organised a movement known as Animals' Welfare Week, which movement is on foot at tho present time, December Ist to 7th. The idea is moulded on ono which has recently been carried out in Great Britain. During this week special efforts are being put forth on belialf of animals, and appeals are being made to the public generally to consider the claims which all dumb creatures have upon our sense of justice and our compassion. One is thankful to remember that, there are already 6omo who, year in and year out, champion these younger brothers ot' ours, but a concerted effort tends to bring the subject boforo the public, and it is to be hoped that the good work thus done will rouse a fresh enthusiasm which will have far-reaching and continued results. It is a deeply implanted British instinct that the strong shall defend those who sire weaker than themselves, so 1 feel sure the above reminder will appeal to numbers of your readers who may do much individually to increase tlio comfort of animals and lessen the many cruelties, small and great, which are inflicted daily through thoughtlessness and indifference. Here is one small instance. I heard lately of a white rabbit which was tethered in the burning sun until it fainted and finally expired. Children do these things thoughtlessly, but a responsibility lies with parents and with thoughtful children to teach kindness and consideration to those, who are loss thoughtful, and to regard wanton neglect as serious cruelty. The treatment of animals in our midst has a greater significance than one might imagine. If a man is cruel to animals, he will have a tendency, -when occasion offers, to be cruel to women and children, and to all who may not be his equals physically. Cruelty in any form has a thoroughly unciviiising effect, and it is hoped that mankind is gradually growing away from its malign influence. Human beings cannot be made kind to animals by Act of Parliament, but we can readily think of ways in which the spirit of kindness can be spread; first, by showing it ourselves; second, by encouraging others and by pointing out to offenders little acts of thoughtlessness and neglect which cause real suffering to the dumb ereatures who are so largely at our mercy. There is a universal law which operates with unswerving justice, and it we cause unnecessary suffering to the life of God, which is, in some degree, patiently trying to manifest Itself even through animal forma (for all life is His), we fihall assuredly, sooner or later, reap suffering for ourselves. On the other haud, if we try to help, encourage, and sympathise with these younger brothers, teaching j them as far as possible to love us and look to us for protection and kindness, we shall not only prepare to reap a corresponding happiness ourselves, but we shall be helping forward the mighty scheme of evolutionary progress. — Yours, etc., N. IW>YD&