ANIMALS PROTECTION

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 310, 24 September 1921, Page 8

ANIMALS PROTECTION

SOME AMENDING LEGISLATION 1 THE KILLING OF OPOSSUMS The Animals Protection and Gama Bill, which was introduced in the House of Representatives yesterday, is an. amending and consolidating measure that has long been awaited by the Acclimatisation Societies. It contains a long list of birds that are declared to he absolutely protected, some 200 species and varieties being mentioned. The native frog and the tuatara lizard are included in the absolutely protected list. The following' birds and animals are declared to be imported game: Antelope, black game, deer, grouse, hares, imported wild duck, moose, partridges, pheasants, ptarmigan, quail' and snipe. Tho schedule of native game is as follows; Black stilt plover, black swan, curlew, dottcrill, godwit, knots, pied stilt plover, mover, pukeko, teal, wild duck, wild geese, and spoonbill duck or widgeon. Tile Governor-General may amend these lists from time to time. The penalty for taking or killing any native or imported game during a close season is a fine of £lO for every such offence and a further fine of £1 for each head of game so taken or killed. The provisions as to licenses follow- the present law. Provision is made for the killing of opossums under regulation. Some clauses deal with the registration and administration of acclimatisation societies. It is made an offence for any person to introduce into New Zealand or liberate any imported animal or bird or have in his possession any imported reptile or any beast or bird of prey without the consent of the. Minister, ‘ who is not to grant permission for the introduction into, the country of any venomous reptile or insect. Responsibilities are placed on masters and owners of ships in this respect. The Minister may authorise the taking or killing of animals causing damage to land, regardless of whether the animals are protected and whether the land is a- sanctuary. The powers of rangers are defined and It is provided that every police constable shall be a ranger. Provision is made for the punishment, of any person who negligently or intentionally kills or maims a homing pigeon.. While authority is proposed for the issue of regulations.