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Ashburton Guardian, Volume III, Issue 659, 10 June 1882, Page 2

TOWN EDITION. [lssued at 4.40 p.m. j

I’lie establishment in Christchurch of a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, which we chronicled in our last issue, is decidedly a step in the right direction. Such a society, even if it limited its operations to Christchurch alone, would probably find enough work on its hands to justify its formation. Cases of the brutal illusage of animals by men infinitely inferior to the beasts they maltreat are continually occurring ; and many of them, it is to be feared, never come to the ears of the police. Such cases will come within the peculiar province of the new society to investigate, and, when necessary, to bring about the punishment of the offenders. The society is to be called, we understand, “ 'lire New Zealand Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals,” and we trust that—having chosen so comprehensive a title—it will not confine its efforts in the cause of humanity merely to Christchurch or its neighborhood, but will (at any rate after a time) take up cases of cruelty occurring in all parts of the colony. If the general public will co-operate with the society, the sphere of its usefulness may be extended to include even the most remote and out-of-the-way places in the island. Should, for instance, a case of ill-treat-ment occur a hundred miles away from Christch'nrch, the society can always be communicated with by letter or telegram, and one of its officers despatched to investigate the alleged offence and institute, if necessary, legal proceedings against the person offending. This jilan-wotild largely increase the usefulness of the society, and would have a salutary effect upon the minds of the gentry who take a delight in inflicting pain upon dumb animals. The new society has our heartiest wishes for its success.