Branding Of Foals

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30215, 21 August 1963, Page 7

Branding Of Foals

Sir,—Several correspondents ask what the S.P.C.A, is doing about the branding of foals. I would strongly urge all these people, and those who think and feel as they do, to at once become members of the S.P.C-A. The annual subscription is a small one, and most societies find their membership lists small also. The S.P.C.A. is only as strong as its numbers, and if those opposed to branding of foals and other cruelties would join their local branches of the society and give full expression to their views the Royal Federation of the S.P.C.A. might have sufficient backing to do away with such a barbarous practice. A strong organisation is needed. May I express my thanks to “The Press” for the space given to this correspondence?—Yours, etc., A.CM. August 19, 1963. Sir,—lt is intolerable to read that such cruelty is allowed in a Christian country and by a nation who profess to love horses. If the S P.C.A can possibly stop this brutality, I, for one, will readily send an annual contribution to their funds—a modest £l and trust others will do likewise. “A little help is worth a deal of pity.’’ —Yours, etc , WAR VETERAN. August 19. 1963. Sir,—AU honour to ‘‘ExCavalryman.” Why has not something been done about his suggestion for a painless method of identification? With “Felina” I, too, request him to again publish his method. Let them go on with their racing, but do not allow these little creatures to be so cruelly treated Four freedoms for humans have been discussed. Why not freedom for animals?—Yours, etc., CONCERNED AND DISGUSTED. August 20. 1963. Sir.—l cannot agree wttn the statement of the president of the New Zealand Racing Conference on the branding of foals. To brand and rebrand these hapless young foals, whether weanlings or yearlings, is sheer torture, with bad after-effects, disguised by stud book regulations. A dog or cat similarly branded would scream in agony; a foal unfortunately cannot. Surely, in these enlightened times. New Zealand could lead the way by enforcing a more humane method of identification of foals—Yours, etc., DO UNTO OTHERS. August 20, 1963.