S.P.C.A.

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7210, 17 July 1933, Page 8

S.P.C.A.

The monthly meeting of the executive of the Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was hold in the Chamber of Commerce rooms on Friday. Mr. H. B. Free (chairman) presided. Apologies were received from Mr. and Mrs. Handley, Mr. N. Blackmore, Miss Abraham, Miss Goldingham, Miss Hewitt and Mr. Jacques. Mr. Free outlined tho activities of the Manawatu branch during the past month, and mentioned the largo district covered by the inspector and the large number of cases of cruelty and neglect that wero brought under notice. No doubt members were aware of the shocking case of cruelty to a horse that had been brought before tbo court.. The defendant had pleaded guilty and was heavily fined, but according to facts of the case it was well deserved. Inspector Maitland presented his report and the members of the committee were somewhat astounded at tho large number of cases of cruelty and neglect t}iat' aro brought under notice of the inspector. The inspector cannot visit all the cases that are complained of owing to tho limited funds at the disposal of the executive, and at present aro at a very low ebb. If the public were aware of the large amount of work the society is doing it feels sure they would contribute willingly. No matter how small, contributions woum be gracefully received and many more cases would bo brought to justice. The executive has decided to hold a ball at an early date to try and obtain funds to carry on. A committee has been set up with this object in view, as follows: —Messrs Patterson, Bennefieid, Misses E. MacMillan, M. Nathan and Mrs. Jacques with power to add to their number. A new protection Act has been passed in England by Royal Assent called the Protection of Animals Act, 1933 (cruelty to dogs). Under its provisions any court before which a person is convicted under the Protection or Animals Act of an offence of cruelty to a dog may order him to be disqualified from keeping a dog and for holding a dog license for such a period as the court thinks fit. If any person who is so disqualified keeps a dog or applies for or obtains a dog license whilo so disqualified he or she is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £25 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to both such fine and imprisonment. An ap-

peal against disqualification is allowable, and an application for its removal may bo made after the expiration of six months from tho date of the order. The Amalgamated Societies of the S.P.C.A. will no doubt consider the passing of such an Act in this Dominion.