PREVENTION OF CRUELTY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23107, 5 February 1937, Page 6

PREVENTION OF CRUELTY

SOCIETY’S ANNUAL REPORT The annual report of the Otago Society for the Prevention of Cruelly to Animals, which will be presented at the annual meeting on Friday next, states inter alia: — The public has given generous support during the year, and the membership has been satisfactorily maintained, though the committee is desirous of still further increasing the membership of the society, as, with a larger income, the committee could widen the scope of the society’s operations! The committee desires to thank the public for its interest in the work of the society, and specially those who have brought cases of cruelty and neglect under the notice of the society. During the year 41 cases of alleged cruelty were inquired into, as against 73 in 1935, 53 in 1934, 78 in 1933, and 107 in 1932. One person was prosecuted and fined. Following the usual practice of the society, no part of the penalty was accepted for our funds. Twenty-six cases were investigated, but called for no further action, and 14 cautions were administered. Several cases of dog poisoning were reported during the year, but, unfortunately, evidence was not forthcoming to prove a case against the perpetrators of this despicable practice, and the public is requested to supply any information which may assist the committee in this matter. The society has a standing reward of £lO for information that will lead to the conviction of the person or persons so offending. The committee is still convinced of the necessity of the Government introducing a Bill for the compulsory dehorning of cattle. Cases have been continually noticed by the inspector during the year where intense suffering has been caused to cattle by goring one another, or having their horns broken in railway trucks. The society hopes that the long-delayed legislation making dehorning compulsory will be carried during the coming session of Parliament.

The question of parking areas in steep streets, thereby interfering with horse traffic in these streets, was brought under the notice cf the City Council, but so far with little improvement. Reports regarding boundary dogs were investigated, but it was proved that these dogs were being well looked after, and that the same dogs were not being used for this purpose for more than a day or so. The committee regrets that Messrs A. D. Sutherland and A. F. Duthie found it necessary to tender their resignations as members of the committee, and their services will be greatly missed by their fellow-members. Mr D. C. Cameron was, appointed a member of the committee during the year. It is with deep regret the committee has to refer to the deaths of Mrs Porteous and Mr J. Brown, who were for many years members of the committee of the society, and to their relatives the heartfelt sympathies of the members are extended. During the year the society received a further £75 from the bequest to the society from the late Mrs E. L. E. Fenwick. The various bequests to the society have been ' greatly appreciated, and have helped considerably in carrying on the work; in fact, were it not for the interest received from these bequests the annual receipts would not meet the expenditure. The committee desires again to thank the police in both town and country for their assistance throughout the year.