Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7299, 28 October 1933, Page 3

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

FEILDING SOCIETY MEETS. At the annual meeting of the Fcilding branch of the Society for tho Pro ventiou of Cruelty to Animals on Thursday evening consideration was given to the means by which the finances of tho brancii could be placed upon a moro secure footing, it being pointed out that the branch could not continue its humane work without financial aid. Mr. Whitehead presided and those also present were: Mesdames White, Walpole, Harford, Miss Wright, and Messrs. Whitehead, Goldfinch (secretary), Philip (inspector), Bilman and Pilcher. Miss Wright was elected president for the ensuing twelve months. The inspector reported that during the winter months a decided improvement had been made, mainly through the co-operation of the stock firms, in getting the sold stock away after the sales in reasonably quick time.

“I am pleased to note that on the whole we have come through the winter months well, as thero was a more plentiful supply of hay and roots this season than last, which factor is always a great help. The bobby calf industry is now assuming a large turnover, and still requires as much attention as possible in order to prevent' any undue cruelty in the loading and unloading and length of time before arriving at the killing centre. Man’s best friends, his sheep dogs, have unfortunately been attacked by a severe form of distemper of late and some valuable dogs have succumbed. A reliable remedy is a difficult matter. I have, however, treated one or two cases with fair success. Cats seem to be affected with a similar complaint and should as well as dogs be attended to at once or in severe cases destroyed as they spread the disease quickly to young children. I have made regular visits to the freezing works and abattoirs, also the Bacon Company’s killing centre for calves. .1 have noted various methods of slaughtering from time to time and although the humane pistol is largely used at Home it, has really never been adopted in New Zealand and although trials have been made with the weapon, from my own experience. I consider the hammer the most, effective in tho hands of a capable man. Overloading of cattle has come before my notice from time to time and a few cases in trucks coming to Peilding have occurred from time to time. The matter could be avoided by leaving one beast and avoiding mixed trucking. Animals destroyed: Dogs, 3; cats, 3; cattle, 2; cautions, 8; overloading calves, 3; sheep, o, cattle. 4.