PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

Evening Star, Issue 8774, 15 March 1892, Page 3

PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

The Committee of the Otago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, in their annual report, express regret at the falling elf in the number of members and also in the income of the society. A comparison of the balance sheet with that for 1590 shows that the subscriptions amount to Ll-11 10s 6J, or L 26 5s 6J less than the previous year. The members now number ;V23, which shows a decrease of twenty-six. Fewer cases of cruelty have come under the notice of the society. This may be in consequence of there being fewer horses employed, but no doubt there is a wholesome fear as to the danger of ill-using animals, and the Committee hope that their work is educating those in charge of horses and other animals. A good many complaints have been made about the overcrowding of tram cars, but this is not a matter in which the inspector can interfere unless there is cruelty. One case was taken into Court by him, but was dismissed. The manner of killing crayfish by boiling was brought under the notice of the Committee, but they have been unable to learn what is the moat humane treatment. During the past year dog fighting does not appear to have been indulged in. The members and the public generally have shown a warm interest in the Committee’s work, and are always ready to afford information and assistance to the Inspector ; the honorary solicitors and veterinary surgeons have been moat ready to give their services when asked to do so ; and the thanks of the society are due also to the Press of the colony and to the police. The inspector continues to discharge his duties to the entire satisfaction of the Committee. During the year he has visited many parts of the district. _ Inspector Aitken reports that during the last twelve months he has noticed less cases of crueltv to animals than in previous years, and on his visits to the country towns he had been informed that there had beep less cruelty observed. During the year ninetytwo cases of alleged cruelty were reported and investigated. Ten persona were prosecuted, and of these five were convicted and lined, four cases were dismissed, and one case withdrawn. At his request four horses suffering in consequence of being completely worn ou6 were destroyed, as were one cow, and two dogs suffering from mange. Sixtytwo persons were also cautioned for various offences. Cabmen at race time and going to sports do not drive so hard or flog their horses so unmercifully as in former years.