CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23918, 20 September 1939, Page 4

CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION The monthly meeting of the Otago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was held yesterday. Mr J. C. Willis occupied the chair, and also present were—Messrs W. Cooper, J. Gordon, G. Matheson, M. C. Henderson, J. Henderson, and R. Fountain. Stray Animals The Auckland Society wrote asking how the Otago Society dealt with the problem of stray cats and dogs. “Local bodies have ample powers as far as the dogs are concerned,” Mr Willis said, “but our inspector spends too much of his time finding homes for stray cats. I think most of them are well able to look after themselves.” It was decided to inform the Auckland Society that the responsibility for dealing with stray animals rested with the local bodies. Animal Welfare Week It was decided to hold Animal Welfare Week this year from October 1-7, the usual arrangements to be made for talks to be given in schools and other suitable places. The inspector (Mr J. J. Hinchcliff) was appointed to give the broadcast address. Inspector’s Report The inspector reported that he had visited the following places during the month:-—Green Island. Balclutha, Milton. Owaka, Clinton, Allanton, Outram, Berwick, Mosgiel, Port Chalmers. Sawyers’ Bay. Ravensbourne, Wingatui, Macraes, Hyde, Waipiata, Patearoa, Ranfurly, Naseby, Wedderburn, Oturehua, Ida Valley, Moa Creek, Poolburn, Omakau, Matakanui, St Bathans. Becks, Lauder, Alexandra, Clyde. Cromwell, Arrowtown, Queenstown, Lowburn, Luggate, Roxburgh. Miller’s Flat and Beaumont. Stock sales had been attended at Burnside, Milton. Baiclutha, Owaka, Clinton and Allanton, and a horse sale in the city. The following complaints had received attention: — Starving Cattle.—These cattle had

been the subject of previous complaints and had been under observation for some weeks. The cattle were now receiving proper attention, and further proceedings would not be' taken in the meantime. ■ Cruelty to Horse' (Wingatux).—The horse (a racehorse) had been turned out for a spell. It had two rugs on, and the animal was being fed twice daily. The neck of the lower rug had worn through and the, constant rubbing of the rope on the horse’s wither had created a sore. As soon as the owner heard of the horse’s plight he had given it immediate attention. Cruelty to Dogs (Berwick).—Three dogs were involved in the complaint, two brown retrievers and one lurcher. Both the retrievers were in good condition and the other dog was in fair condition. The dogs were reported to be off the chain nearly every day. Ample food was hanging in the shed and water was provided daily. During the month the inspector had ap extensive trip through Central Otago. No complaints had been received throughout the district. Some of the stock in different parts were showing the effects of the hard winter, but, all things considered, stock was looking surprisingly well.