CARRIAGE OF STOCK

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28133, 23 November 1956, Page 8

CARRIAGE OF STOCK

S.P.C.A. Expresses Dissatisfaction INTRODUCTION OF BRITISH LAW SOUGHT (New Zealana Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 22. Dissatisfaction with the manner in which livestock was being transported in New Zealand was expressed by several delegates to the annual meeting of the Royal Federation of New Zealand Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Most of the complaints were against the Railways Department. Mr R. H. James, chief inspector, said he thought the loss of livestock in transit, particularly on the railways, must be very great. “The railways are a law unto themselves, and accept no responsibility,” said Mr W. K. Waters (Mid-Canter-bury). A suggestion from Mrs E. Moore (Wellington) that the Railways Department be prosecuted for bad treatment of livestock in transit was opposed by Mr Waters, who said that only an employee of the department could be prosecuted. Many examples of livestock dying in railway waggons were quoted at the meeting. A remit was adopted that the federation seek to have the 24-hour law operating in Britain and America introduced in New Zealand. This provides that livestock cannot be carried for more than 24 consecutive hours without being unloaded, watered, and fed.