Alleged Cruelty to an Animal

Southland Times, Issue 13285, 12 August 1895, Page 3

Alleged Cruelty to an Animal

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— l had on Saturday last the opportunity of witnessing along with others such an exhibition of cruelty to an animal as, I am happy to say one does not see often in a lifetime. A party who drives a mule and a light van on these roads, saw occasion to come out of his trap and, for no apparent reason, with a long stick, resembling nothing but a bullock driver’s whip handle come down on that poor, dumb, defenceless animal’s head with all his “might until he was tired. So severe were the blows (the soundof whichcouldbe beardabouthalfa mile away) that one wondered whether the poor beast’s eyes were left in its head, or if they were beaten to a jelly. Now, if it were the ordinary case of a man chastising his horse which may be sometimes necessary and if done in a civilised manner I would mind my own business, but as this seemed a case of uncalled for brutality I feel that I should not be doing my duty if I did not interfere should I see the offence repeated, and I may here mention that it is not the first time that I have seen the same person abusing the same animal. Hoping that these few lines may meet the delinquent’s eye and be the means of warning him against giving way to such fearful ebullitions of temper, even for his own sake, as he is almost always sure to be seen by somebody.—l am, &c., Humanity. Drummond, 7th August.