CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 234, 26 June 1908, Page 10

CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

. SOCIETY'S CONFERENCE.. The conference convened' by tho Christchurch Society for tho -Prevention of Cruelty to Animah commenced its sittings at 2.30 yesterday afternoon at the Chamber of Commerco. Mr. A. 11. Atkinson occupied tho chair, and there were also present Messrs. W. I''. Indcr (Gore), *'T'\ Seed, G. Brown, and C. W. Carroll (Wellington), W.' H. Zouch and J. H. Parker (Christcliurch), B. S. Finn and H. Wilding (Auckland), C. W. Davis (Hawke's Bay), and C. E. Galway (Gisborno). Mr. W. C. Guinnell, veterinary surgeon, attondod by request; He read a paper advocating stunning before killing. ■Mr. C. W. Carroll was appointed secretary to tho conference. In opening tho conference, the Chairman congratulated tho delegates on tho progress of tho movement. In some cases sport was still associated with cruelty, but a considerable advanco had been mado. Ho trusted tho conference would bo successful in inducing the Government to pass an Act for tho better prevention of cruelty to animals. As Mr. A. R. Atkinson was unablo to be present- through tho conference, Mr. W. F. Inder was elected to tho chair. ! Mr. Zouch submitted a draft Bill for tho bettor prevention of cruelty to animals and regulating the transit of livo stock on land and sea. The Bill was discussed in committee, and it was decided that it bo printed and referred tb the various'societies throughout tho Dominion. The Bill will later be referred to a meoting of delegates to be held in Wellington next year with a view of having it introduced during the session of 1909. It was decided to send a deputation to wait upon tho Hon. R. M'Nab to urge upon him tho necessity of bringing forward legislation for the better enforcement of present laws for tho prevention of cruolty to animals, and framing regulations for the more liumano slaughtering of animals for food and export, as tho delegates were of opinion that tho systom of pithing so largely in vogue was brutal, and caused unnecessary suffering. It was decided that a Central Boarcl of Advice, to consist of two delegates from each society in tho Dominion, bo set up, tho Board to meet annually in Wellington. After a general discussion, tho conference adjourned.