CAMPAIGN AGAINST CRUELTY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20582, 4 December 1928, Page 5

CAMPAIGN AGAINST CRUELTY

COCK FIGHTING AND LIVE PIGEON . SHOOTING. ' (Special to Daily Times.) CHRISTCHURCH, December 3. Cock fighting and live pigeon shooting were discussed by the committee of the Canterbury Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to-night. . Regarding the former. Inspector Cameron wrote acknowledging the society’s letter, and stating that on the newspaper reports the police carefully and- thoroughly investigated the matter, only to find that the reports were Jacking of foundation. “I can assure you the police will do all in their power. to prevent the introduction of such contests,” added the inspector. The letter was received without comment.

In, accordance with notice given, the chairman (Mr J. 0. Jameson) moved— That the committee of the Canterbury Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is of opinion that’ live pigeon shooting matches should be abolished.” In England, he said, there’was legislation prohibiting live bird shooting. Mr A, Morton said that in his opinion there was no cruelty in pigeon shooting as carried out by gun clubs. Scouts were posted and armed with guns and killed wounded birds.

, Mrs G. Connal asked if the society’s inspector had not reported that, wounded birds had got away at a shoot at Sockburn. . Mr Morton said the shoot was one conducted by a visiting club. The huvls were sparrows, not pigeons. , Mr T. G. Gee said the society was out ™ prevent cruelty, and it was not. a questipn of degree, Gun clubs did their best to minimise cruelty,.but if.was the duty oi the society to enter a protest. The motion _ was agreed to, Mr Morton alone oissenim^.