TWO HUMANE TASKS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19383, 19 July 1926, Page 8

TWO HUMANE TASKS.

The meeting called to consider the division of the local Society for Protection of Women and Children and Prevention of Cruelty to Animals into two organisations has a very reasonable aim in view. The proposed division should mean more effective work by both societies. Unfortunately, there is plenty of work for both to do, too much, indeed, for the existing society to do as well as its members have wished. It is probable that separate appeals for public sympathy, so far from resulting in a mere halving of support, will elicit more adequate aid for each. Their aims, although linked by a common motive of humane considerateness and kindness, are very different. One is concerned with matters of social justice, the other with the care of creatures outside the scope of ordinary legal rights. When the Animal Welfare League was formed a little while ago, it was inspired by the city's lack of modern means to ensure thfj of

animals. These means include animal hospitals, homes of rest for toilworn and sick horses, shelters for lost dogs and cats, ambulances for injured creatures, and travelling dispensaries for ailing animals belonging to people unable to afford payment for veterinary advice. It has been natural for enthusiasts in this work of pity to desire to concentrate upon it. On the other hand, those at least equally concerned about the need of many women and children to be shielded from cruelty have realised that the society with the cumbrous title has been hampered in this particular part of its activity by the requirement to devote attention to animal welfare. By the arrangement now proposed, each new organisation will draw to it a personnel keen about its distinctive task. The Animal Welfare League, without losing its particular character, will become an S.P.C.A. conducted on the lines of similar societies elsewhere and in close affiliation with them. There should be gain all round from the change.