WELFARE OF ANIMALS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26692, 11 February 1948, Page 8

WELFARE OF ANIMALS

YEAR’S WORK REVIEWED NEED FOR PUBLIC SUPPORT Observing that the poisoning of animals was still prevalent, the report presented at the annual meeting of the Otago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, held in Dunedin yesterday, stressed - the necessity for all citizens to report immediately any such acts. The society, it was added, offered a reward of £lO for information that would lead to a conviction. During the year, the report continued, 54 cases of alleged cruelty were investigated, compared with 67 in 1946 and 53 in 1945. From the cases under review 13 persons were cautioned, and in several instances instructions were given as to what steps were necessary, and the inspector kept these cases under observation. The purchase price of the property for the proposed animals’ home had been paid. Plans for a caretaker’s residence, and the kennels, had been drawn up, and it was hoped that permits would soon be obtained to proceed with the erection of the home, which was greatly needed in the city. The formation of a junior branch of the society was aimed at by the committee. The report added that the membership of the society stood at 1328, including 195 new members for last year. It was felt, however, that the figure should at least be doubled. The balance sheet showed a surplus of £921 15s 3d on the year’s workings. Legacies acknowledged during the financial year totalled £944 12s. A member of the Sydney S.P.C.A., Miss T. Taylor, who is on holiday in the Dominion, attended the meeting. She spoke briefly about the difficulties confronting that society concerning the disposal of stray animals. Officers elected were: President, Mr W. Downie Stewart; vice-presidents— Messrs R. G. Fountain, R. D. Stewart, and W. J. Crawford; committee— Messrs J. Bews, J. Black, A. Clark, J. B. Deaker, A. de Beer, H. H. Henderson, M. C. Henderson, T. Irvine, R. T. Kirk, G. Matheson, R. Stevenson J. Winter, and L. M. Wright; honorary veterinary surgeon, Mr C. V. Dayus.