COURT NEWS

Grey River Argus, 16 September 1937, Page 4

COURT NEWS

Pigeons as Decoys S.P.C.A. PROSECUTION. FINES IMPOSED. I Per Press Association], CHRISTCHURCH, September 15. By tying wounded pigeons to stakes, a father and two sons used them as decoys to attract other pigeons at which they shot. As a result, Henry Chesmar, Senr., Henry Chesmar, Jnr., and Ansell James Chesmar, appeared in the Magistrate’s Court charged with maiming and tethering pigeons and thus causing them unnecessary suffering. Mr. J. K. Moloney, appeared for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Mr. J. D. Godfrey appeared for the Chesmars. • James Callaghan said that he visited his farm at Yaldhurst and saw the men shooting pigeons. They had no authority to be on his land, and he went over to interview them. Witness said that he saw one pigeon tethered to a piece of broomstick by a length of binder twine. He saw two other pigeons fluttering on the ground injured. As other pigeons ,came down, they were shot at. Between eighty and one hundred birds were shot. “I don’t call it sport at all. I would say it was cruelty,” witness added. Evidence was given by the three defendants and by Charles Chesmar. who was also present at the time, denying that the birds were tethered or that injured birds were left lying about. The method used was to prop dead birds up by stakes,' and when pigeons flew above the decoys they were shot at. Any that were wounded were immediately killed. “The Court does not believe the evidence of the defendants or their witnesses,” said Mr. E. C. Levvey, S.M., “and they will each be convicted.” Henry Chesmar. Senr., was fined £5 and costs, and the other two defendants each 20s and costs.