PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

Otago Witness, Issue 3594, 30 January 1923, Page 51

PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

A . meeting of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was held in the board room of the secretary (Mr ■k* Wilson) on Tuesday afternoon. The president (Sir George Fenwic-K') occupied the o air ’ there were also present the •’ey. Diamond and Messrs Crosoy Morris and W. F. Sligo. A draft report was submitted and adopted with a few minor alterations. The report stated inter alia : The committee has much pleasure in presenting the forty-first annual report for the past year, which has been a most successful one in every way. It is pleasing to note the continued support given to the society by the public, and the fact that many acts of cruelty are brought under the notice of the society by our citizens. During the past year 100 cases cf alleged cruelty were inquired into as against 114 in 1921, 106 in 1920, 95 in 1919, and 101 in 1918. Ten cases were abandoned for lack of evidence, and 50 complaints w'ere investigated by our inspector to the full satisfaction of the committee. 1‘ oily persons were cautioned for various offences, while six horses, three cows, and four dogs were destroyed. It is satisfactory to the committee to note that the number of cases of alleged cruelty reported this year was under that of either 1920 or 1921. The number cf members in the Otago district is now 1650 as against 1555 last year. Great credit is again due to Mr J. Craig for the tact, energy, and perseverance he has displayed in the carrying on of his important work and for the large number of additional members he has succeeded in obtaining. It is also pleasing to note that through the efforts of the assistant inspector. Mr A. Dunoan, the Southland membership shows a slight increase on last year. The assistant inspector has carried out his duties in the Southland district to the entire satisfaction of the committee, the only prosecution instituted in either Otago or Southland was a case in which a settler in Southland was prosecuted for maiming a bull with a shotgun. The animal was severely injured, and defendant was convicted and fined £2 and costs, the latter amounting to £3 Is 6d. Your committee desires to express its thanks to the editor of the School Journal for inserting articles on kindness to animals in that publication, and it is hoped that these articles will help in creating a greater love for dumb animals among school children. Arrangements have also been made for a supply of the pamphlet “The Animal’s Friend,” which the society is distributing amongst the various schools in rotation. During the year Messrs A. and R. Edie were enrolled as life members. During the year the trustees of the late Mrs Ellen Foster forwarded a cheque for £SO bequeathed to the society by her. and Mr T. Corrie forwarded a cheque for £25 bequeathed to the society by bis sister, Miss F. Corrie. Your committee gratefully acknowledge these bequests, which nave been added to the society’s investment fund. Your committee wishes to state that it is most desirable that any information as to alleged cruelty -should be accompanied by the name arid less of the informant, which will be received strictly in confidence if so desired by the writer. Anonymous allegations will, however, be -enquired into if they appear to be made in good faith.