PREVENTION OF CRUELTY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19743, 16 September 1927, Page 14

PREVENTION OF CRUELTY.

TREATMENT OF CALVES. ANIMAL WELFARE WEEK. The committee of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ifiet this week, Mr. L. E. Rhodes presiding. Reports dealing with the treatment of s,tray dogs were received, one stating that improvements had been effected at the City Council kennels, as requested by the society. A letter of appreciation is to be forwarded to the council. A report, setting forth the position with regard to stray dogs, stated that dogs without collars bearing the proper registration label, are deemed to be unregistered, and any person upon whose property such dogs are found may destroy them. Such dogs may be seized and kept by the police, and if not claimed by their owners within seven days, may be sold or destroyed.

The society's inspector, Mr. Harry Ferguson, submitted a report dealing with the treatment of calves at the meat works at Horotiu and surrounding districts, in connection with recent allegations of cruelty. From personal observation and close inquiry, the inspector was inclined to think that although occasional cases of cruelty might occur, these were probably the result of accident rather than of intent or neglect. Every endeavour was made to handle the calves with the least possible hurt, and the carriers would not take calves immature, or improperly fed. The question of feeding immature calves was a difficult one and the inspector suggested that the society send a representative to the various farming centres for the purpose of calling farmers together and discussing the matter. The committee decided, as the season was now almost over, that the matter was one with which the incoming committee should deal after the annual meeting next month, a recommendation being adopted that the whole question should be thoroughly investigated and a report submitted before the end of the year.

The secretary was requested to place an order for six additional humane killers. A request was received for assistance in the formation of a branch society at Whangarei. The inspector was directed to visit the dfst/ict to arrange details. Similar requests were also received from Apia (Samoa), and Tauranga, the committee agreeing to give any assistance within its power. A statement was received showing that the net j-iroce-eds of the society's" stall at the inter Show amounted to £BO. A motion of appreciation of the work ot the ladies' committee, and the honorary organiser, was passed. A letter was received from Mr. J. A. Forbes, Oamaru, requesting that the society co-operate in the holding of Animal Welfare Week, from Monday, October 24, tc Sunday, October 50. A 'sub-committee was appointed to arrange a suitable programme.