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Manawatu Times, Volume II, Issue 56, 2 May 1877, Page 3

Mr James Pratt writes to the London " Times" : — For some time of late, when out. with my Skye terriers, they drew my attention to an old brick drain and a hole m the wall at the bottom of the ditch that divides Hyde Park from Kensington-gardens. Being within the enclosed fence I called my dogs off; but they were still anxious for a hunt, which convinced me some animal was there. I often cast an eye on the place and saw tracks on the grass which proved to me it was inhabited by a wild animal, and also footprints m tinmud ; and the animal had been seen at night: by the constable on duty, and had been allowed to remain m peace for some time. I was m hopes that he would remain quiet, but the story got spread about, and on Saturday there were men digging him out, and he also underwent the torture of being smoked out by making fires with tar and paraffin. On Monday he was dislodged by digging and dogs, though really from the fright. One bull dog was put into him, which got fearfully cut about, and other dogs as well. lam glad to say the poor brute got cleai* away, and went to ground again m another bole. 13ut it is to be baited again if I cannot prevent it. Surely this poor brute has as good a right to be protected as a nest of young sparrows, and I am surprised the Park authorities should allow such a disgraceful thing, with 100 people looking on, including policemen. Possibly a slight notice of this may save further torture to the badger and cruelty to the dogs.