PROTECTION OF ANIMALS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 6269, 24 July 1907, Page 7

PROTECTION OF ANIMALS

At a meeting of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals yesterday many cases of cruelty, chiefly to horses, were reported by the society’s inspector (Mr Williams). It was announced that two "humane cattle-killers’’ had arrived to the order of'the society, and, on the recommendation of the inspector, they wore. ordered to be placed at the police stations at Thorndon and Mount Cook, where they will be at the disposal of anyone wanting to use them. Attention was drawn by the inspector to the inefficiency of the city by-law relating to the weight which may legally bo drawn by one horse. The by-law specifies as the maximum weight, for drays two tons, and for lorries three tons; but there is no allowance made for the state or level of roads, the different weights and sizes : of horses, etc. The society is to write to the City Council on the matter. A letter was received from the Peilding Society calling attention to the petition which is to be presented to Parliament praying for an amendment in existing legislation, in order to make the "sport” of live-pigeon shooting a punishable offence. The petition mentions that at the express wish of King Edward VII. and Queen Alexandra the "sport” was abolished by the Hurlingham Club, which was originally formed expressly for the carrying on of pigeon-shooting. It is also pointed out that by a decision of Mr Justice Chapman in the case of Hazelhurst v. Tucker, which was instigated by the Peilding Society os a test case, our present laws do not provide a penalty for what is manifestly an act of brutality. In addition to the petition, which is being largely signed, a circular has been sent to every member of Parliament, asking for his support in the matter. The following subscriptions to the funds of the society wore acknowledged: —Mr Prank Allen and .the Marainanga Estate Co., Ltd., .£1 Is each; New Zealand Express Co., 10s 6d; Lady Atkinson. Mr T. A. Wells, T.H.G., A.H.T., Mr A. B. Knapp, 5s each; Mr Missel, Miss Boyd, E.F.S., C. 8., Friend, Mr J. B. I fopki rk, Mrs Kendal, 2s 6d each ; total, M 15s.