PREVENTION OF CRUELTY

Evening Star, Issue 19787, 10 February 1928, Page 10

PREVENTION OF CRUELTY

SOCIETY'S ANNUAL REPORT

The following is a summary of I lie annual report of the operations of the Otago Society lor the Pro volition of Cruelty to Animals, to be presented at tlie annual meeting to he held in the Town Hall on the afternoon of Friday next:—

Tho society continues to receive the generous support of the public, and many acts of cruelly have boon brought under the notice of tiro committee and the inspector liy citizens. This interest by tlio citizens in the work of the society is greatly appreciated by the committee. During tlio past year 95 cases of alleged cruelty wore inquired into, as against 100 cases in 1926. 189 in 1925, 150 in 1924, and 140 in 1925. Six eases were not; proceeded with for lack of evidence; 85 complaints were investigated by onr inspector and not snfliclently sustained to warrant cautions or other action; 2 persons were prosecuted and convicted;; and 52 persons wore cautioned for various offences. The membership of the society is now 1,710, ns against .1,690 last year, (treat credit is again duo to Mr Craig for the tact, energy, and perseverance displayed by him in'"carrying out his important work, and for ill© manner in which he keeps np the society's membership. Tlio committee again distributed pamphlets on ‘ Kindness to Animals ’ amongst the pupils of tho various schools, and it. is felt that those interesting publications are appreciated by both the pupils and tho teachers in the schools.

“Animal Welfare Week” was again organised by Mr J. A. Korhes, and was held throughout the dominion in October last, -'the various societies carrying out tho arrangemonfs in their respective districts. The committee made arrangements with ministers and .superintendents of Sunday 'sclionls to address the children on the Sunday ot Animal Welfare Week, while special pamphlets were distributed to the*schools throughout Otago, and the head masters wore requested to address. their pupils on tin’s matter. Last year a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals was formed in Oamjru, and during the year a deputation from tho society waited upon the committee with a, view to the Otago Society withdrawing altogether from the North Otago district. After hearing the views of the deputation it, was decided to circularise all members in North Otago asking if they considered Otago should withdraw from this- 1 district. Such an .overwhelming majority of members voted in favor of the Otago Society continuing its work in the North Otago" district .that the society decided lo earn- on its work there as hitherto.

During the year the committee received complaints _ regarding vivisection being carried on in the Otago Medical School. This matter was thoroughly investigated by the committee, and it was officially informed that certain research work was being systematically engaged in at the Medical School in connection with the diro disease of infantile paralysis. The committee was satisfied that every precaution was be-

ms taken by the professors to prevent any undue or unnecessary pain to the monkeys that were being utilised for this research work, and felt that, in the cause of humanity, they could not hinder the professors in their commendable efforts to combat this dire disease. Another matter that received very serious consideration by the committee miring the year was the question of compulsory dehorning of The committee is hopeful that legislation will soon be passed making it compulsory for all, excepting stud cattle, 1 to be dehorned before they arc two years of age. Tun question ns to whose duty it is to attend to injured animals in the streets has also been seriously discussed during the year, and the committee would like to see who is responsible for attending to such animals more clearly defined.

During Hie year the society received three bequests—from the late Sarah Reeves, £SO; from the late George l)e----venney, £25; and from the late Mrs Gloss, £IOO, _ The committee desires to express its special thanks to the management of the New Zealand railways for granting a free pass to the inspector, and to the police in both town and country for the valuable assistance rendered to him whenever required. Thanks are also due to our honorary solicitors, honorary veterinary surgeons, local agents, and others who have assisted the society during the year. To Mr W. D. Snowball, one of the vicepresidents, the thanks of the society are also due for the export knowledge and advice he had always so Ireely given to the committee. The committee again wishes to state that it is most desirable that any information ns to alleged cruelty should bo accompanied by the name of the informant. which will ho received strictly in confidence if so desired by the informant.