PIGS THAT SQUEAL.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLII, Issue 90, 15 April 1908, Page 7

PIGS THAT SQUEAL.

AN UNSUSTAINED CHARGE

At a recent sitting of the Magistrate's Court in Wellington, George Wilkinson, mate of the steamer Blenheim, was charged that, on March 17, at Wellington, he did cruelly ill-treat certain pigs while discharging them from the steamer Blenheim. Mr Herdman appeared for defendant, who pleaded not guilty. . Sub-Inspector O'Donovan, who conducted fthe case for the prosecution, stated that the information was laid undter Section 7 of the Police Offences Aco, 1884. ■ Defendant, who was mate -or the steamer Blenheim, plying between Wellington and Blenheim, had discharged the pigs by means of a rope sling, the rope being placed round the animals just behind the fore-legs, the whole weight of the animals falling on this rope as the pigs were swung from the vessel's deck to the wharf. Evidence having been heard on either side, the Magistrate, Mr Riddeii, remarked that in ordinary cases °l cruelty, as a rule, the evidence showed either marks of cruelty, or expert evidence was called to show that cruelty had been inflicted. In the present case there was no evidence otner than that of the constable to show that the pigs suffered any injury .; nor had any evidence of any consignee been called tol show the animals had suffered injury. It \?as known that pigs created a great deal ot noise for very little reason. The volume of noise was not an indication ot the amount of pain, as, although the pig mighfr be suffering a little wnen hoisted into; mid-air, it would yet make a great noise. It seemed to his Worship that, although some other method might be adopted, it was impossible on the evidence before the ■°°Hf to say that the pigs had been tt i y treat^ 'P»#&» evidence fell short, and on that ground the information must be dismissed. -