BOBBY CALF TRADE

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 301, 15 September 1933, Page 3

BOBBY CALF TRADE

Allegations of Cruelty REPORT BY INSPECTOR Allegations of unnecessary cruelty to bobby calves are contained in a report submitted to a meeting this week of the general committee of the Wellington Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals by its inspector, Mr. R. A Nicol. In the northern district he found the conditions very unsatisfactory, and that a great deal of unnecessary cruelty was caused by lack of feeding and of shelter. Although it was difficult to obtain proof, as neighbours were unwilling to give evidence in court, he was satisfied that in some, if not in many cases, calves received no food from the time they were born until they were slaughtered, perhaps three or four days later. In all the cases he saw, calves were tied up to the fence by the roadside and left there without shelter in all weathers, until picked up by the lorry drivers, who, he believed, did what they could to treat them humanely. In the Wairarapa conditions were much better. Delay in transit was less, as the calves were generally taken by lorry direct to the freezing works, and an inspection of the carcases had shown that they had been fed. Before taking further action the committee decided to make inquiries in other districts as to the periods that calves are left without food while in transit and on the farms. The society will welcome any co-operation on the part of the public that will help to mitigate the sufferings of these helpless creatures. A report was received on the Dehorning of Cattle Bill, which was presented to Parliament, but withdrawn during last session. Arrangements were made for a deputation to wait upon the Minister of Agriculture, urging that it be proceeded with after amendment.