CARE OF ANIMALS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24525, 6 February 1941, Page 9

CARE OF ANIMALS

SOCIETY’S ACTIVITIES DOG-POISONING PREVALENT “Several complaints were received during the year regarding dogpoisoners.” states the annual report of the Otago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The society has used strenuous efforts to discover these offenders, and has a standing reward of £lO for information that will lead to the conviction of the perpetrators of this despicable practice. The public will realise the difficulty of obtaining sufficient evidence that will lead to the conviction of these offenders, but the committee trust they will have the wholehearted support of the public in this matter, and it is hoped that any person having information that, may assist towards obtaining a conviction will not hesitate to supply the society with the particulars immediately. “ It is hoped,” the report adds. " that the public will continue to advise the society of any acts of cruelty or neglect that come under their notice. • All communications are treated as strictly confidential, and information received from members or the public is heartily welcomed and receives immediate attention. During the year 50 cases of cruelty were investigated, as agairtst 61 cases in 1939, 37 in 1938, 58 in 1937. and 41 in 1936 Eight cautions were administered, and in many instances instructions were given by the inspector for the care of animals. The other 42 cases were investigated and called for no further action, and the inspector destroyed three horses during the year. “The question of coursing hares in enclosed areas was brought up by the committee during the year, and the society has received numerous requests from all parts of the Dominion, urging that steps be taken to have legislation introduced to prevent the coursing of hares in enclosed areas. All the societies throughout New Zealand are supporting the local society in this matter, and the Federation of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Societies is bringing the matter before the Government. It is hoped that in the near future legislation will be introduced to prohibit this practice.”