HOW ANIMALS FARED IN HULL RAIDS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 1, 9 January 1942, Page 3

HOW ANIMALS FARED IN HULL RAIDS

Bombs, which fall indiscriminate-

ly on country villages, on men, women and children alike, naturally

fall on dog kennels, cowsheds, chicken runs and pig-styes in their attempt to wreck domestic life. Thanks to the R.S.P.G.A. these bombs are no more likely to achieve their object with domestic pels, than with front-line households.

The records of the R.S.P.G.A. contain an announcement from Mr H. W. Locking, secretary of the Mull branch, giving details of the animal victims of recent enemy air raids on this city. These words speak for themselves of the bravery and courage which prompts the rescue workers of tlie R.S.P.G.A. to risk their lives for the dumb animals. The Nazi bombs which fell on this city on two occasions caused the R.S.P.C. A. a great deal of work, and following those two days, writes Mr Locking, "the Hull branch of the R.S.P.G.A. dealt with 155 dogs, 226 cats, 92 rabbits, three fish, 17 chickens, four parrots, one monkey, 55 pigs and one horse." Mr Locking's estimate of another raid was that 150 animals were "casualties," dealt with by thes society. He adds: "The inspector is safe, as also are the employees of the Dogs' Home, but the home has suffered some damage, yet not sufficient to make it unsuitable for the purpose for which it was built. A dog was taken out of some ruins after nine days. It is in the home now, and is improving. The only damage it appeared to be suffering from was stomach trouble."

The animals of Hull can "take it" like the civilians —and the work of the R.S.P.C.A. is worthy of the highest praise for its relief of animal .suffering.