CROTON OIL CRUELTY

Evening Star, Issue 20062, 31 December 1928, Page 8

CROTON OIL CRUELTY

RACEHORSE DONE, TO DEATH (Special to the 1 Star.’] CHRISTCHURCH, December 29. Tho ‘ Star’s ’ special correspondent wires that when Piccaninny’s box at Hokitika was entered at about 7 o’clock on Thursday morning, the horse presented a sorry sight, its head being badly swollen, and its mouth very sore inside. It was impossible to put a bridle on its head. Mr K. W. Spencer, the owner, was promptly advised, and with ' others visited the stable.. Tho adjoining box was occupied by Doleful Ditty, which was unharmed. To-day the horse was opened in the presence of Dr Baird, and portion of the stomach and intestines removed and sent to Christchurch for analysis. The opinion of the doctor and those with him supports tho earlier theory that croton oil had been administered. This has been_ used for horse blistering, but there is no record of any oil of that nature being brought to Hokitika for some years. The burning effect of the fluid administered wa» noticeable on the intestines and stomach. The horse evidently suffered considerable pain, and the post mortem revealed the fact that recovery was impossible. It has been suggested . that the “dope” was intended for another horse in' tho locality, but that the operator entered the wrong box. It is known that the box was visited by someone during the night. The New Zealand Racing Conference has been requested by the Westland Racing Club to detail a racecourse inspector to make full inquiry into the causes leading to the death of Piccaninny, and the local police are also moving in the matter.