LIVE HARE COURSING

Evening Star, Issue 23684, 18 September 1940, Page 12

LIVE HARE COURSING

11 BRUTAL AND DEGRADING SPURT" COMPLETE PROHIBITION SOUGHT S.P.C.A, TO APPROACH GOVERNMENT No action is to be taken by the executive of the Otago branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Aniiuals against the Dunedin Coursing Club in regard to the conduct of its meeting held on Juno 22, at which 15 hares were killed. This decision was reached yesterday, when the committee discussed a letter received from its solicitors pointing out that the society had insufficient witnesses whose evidence was strong enough to warrant prosecution proceedings. After the matter had been- fairly lengthily discussed it was decided that the society would not drop its campaign against live hare coursing, and a resolution was framed requesting the support of all other branches of the'-, society throughout New Zealand in an endeavour to get the Government to abolish the sport. Mr E. C. Reynolds occupied the chair, and there were present Messrs J. C. Willis, W. Cooper, D. C. Cameron. J. R. Dicldson, T. Elliot, M. C. Henderson, G. Matheson, S. P. Leith. Prior to the reading of the solicitor’s letter communications from thq_ society’s branches at Auckland. North Otago, Canterbury, and Wanganui were read, and each of those strongly supported the action taken by the Otago.committee. The solicitor’s letter stated: 11 Apparently the only witnesses available in support of prosecution are the society’s inspector and the caretaker and assistant at Forbury Park. We have seen their statements, and are of the opinion that their evidence is insufficient to support a charge under section 7 of the Police Offences Act, 1927. It has been decided that in prosecutions under that Act involving charges of inflicting unnecessary suffering guilty of knowledge or intention is a necessary ingredient and must be established.” There was no evidence to show that unnecessary suffering had been caused, the letter continued, and the only extraordinary circumstance appeared to be the very high proportion of hares killed. Whether this was due to insufficient training, or the removal of the baulks, or to both factors, did not seem capable of determination. Providing the business was conducted properly there was nothing illegal in the so-called sport of coursing. A proven break of the regulations would furnish material for a prosecution, but, although the Governor-General had authority to make regulations governing the sport, so far it was surprising to discover that no regulations appeared to have been gazetted. English authorities did not help in tho present circumstances. “We can only conclude,” ended the letter, “ that successful proceedings could not bo instituted against the Dunedin Coursing Club arising out of the events of June 22.” REGULATIONS NOT ENOUGH. Remarking that it was unfortunate that nroceedings could not be taken, the Chairman said: “We haven’t a leg to stand on. We would like to prosecute. and a number of the public would like us to do that: but we cannot prosecute under the circninstances. We have done our duty as far as we can go. It seems now that we would have to prove wanton cruelty.”

Mr Cooper then moved : “ That in view of the solicitor’s letter no further action bo taken in the meantime in regard to prosecution.” Mr Cameron suggested that the society should approach the Government with a view to having regulations framed to govern the sport of coursing.

11 It would be a tactical error to make any reference to regulations,” said Mr Willis. “ Coursing is ,a brutal and degrading sport, and we should go for abolition. AVe do not want regulations but absolute prohibition. We have the sympathy of the other societies and of the public.” Mr Henderson thought it might help to obtain a copy of the rules and regulations governing coursing in Australia.

“ That would not help us at all,” declared Mr Willis. “ AVe want to put aside rules and regulations. The point is whether there was or was not cruelty? It seems to me as a layman that there was.”

Tho inspector (Mr J. J. Hinchcliffi said that in Napier tin hare coursing was being conducted satisfactorily. ” Is there any objection to tin bare coursing?” asked Air Cooper.

“ Of course not,” said Air Hinchclifl’, ami the question then arose as to whether tin liaro coursing could be substituted at Forbury Park. The secretary (Air E S. AVilson) said that it was a costly sportj and would mean an expenditure of at least £2,000 to fit up tho course, whereupon this aspect of the discussion lapsed. Reverting to the live hare coursing, Air AVillis said that the public should report instances of cruelty, and that would give the society a chance to take action. Cases of cruelty could be reported to tho police also. “ In this case,” said the Chairman, “ the police report is the same as the lawyer’s. AVe were perfectly right to bring the matter up and give it publicity, which it has,had right throughout New Zealand. That publicity has really helped ns in the matter.” It was significant, he wont on, that at tho Oamarn meeting following the society’s, original statements, only three hares in 93 courses had been killed. Whatever may have been the cause of the trouble at Forbury—the removal of the baulks or wet weather—the fact remained that the Oamaru meeting had been well conducted.

11 Theirs is a bigger course,” said Air Hinehclilf. “ Forbury Park is far too small for live bare coursing. At least 40 acres arc required for the sport.” Air AVillis then said that the society should bring its views before the Government and agitate for the abolition of the sport. At his suggestion a motion was drawn up: “ That this society asks all societies to approach the Government asking for the abolition of live hare coursing.” After further discussion, in which most of the speakers supported Air Willis, the resolution was agreed to. The only other main business to occupy the meeting was the reading of tbo inspector’s monthly report, which detailed his visits to the country stock sales and race meetings. He had received no complaints involving cruelty during the month.