S. P. C. A.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 January 1926, Page 4

S. P. C. A.

FIRST DOMINION CONFERENCE. DIFFICULTY OF ENFORCEMENT. [by TELEORArn —ra tress association.] DUNEDIN, Jan. 14. The first conference of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals opened to-day, Sir George Fenwick presiding. The chairman’s address covered the whole history of the movement. The Conference is attended by delegates from Auckland, Canterbury, Fcilding, Tiniagg, Nelson, Westport, Otago land Invercargill. The conference sat all day. The point, however, which created some difficulty was

how the result of the deliberations is to be- given effect to. The most important business was that relating to the federation of the societies, with their headquarters at Wellington. The Otago and Canterburr delegates made it very clear flint they were not in favour of federation, a proposal for which was submitted by Timaru. On a vote the proposal was adopted by a large majority, only Otago and Canterbury opposing. The voting was oil principle of “one Society one vote.” The increasing of fines in cases of wick, stated that there would be no obligation on the part of anybody to join the federation if it were formed. A remit dealing with the disuse of the overhead check rein, especially for trotters, was adopted, though it was pointed out that the abuse was not now a very serious one. A remit was adopted that legislation be introduced making it compul-

sory for all cattle to be dehorned at an early state. It also was resolved that more humane systems than pithing he adopted in tho killing of animals, and that the use of a hammer was preferrable. Hon G. M. Thompson addressed the conference, and said that be was hopeful that legislation would ultimately be introduced abolishing live-pigeon shooting. The treatment of lampass by burning was generally condemned, and motions were adopted having for their object the more careful treatment of cattle when being placed in waggons, also when in transit, and when being detrained.

Tho increasing of fines in cases of vicious cruelty was approved, and also that magistrates should more frequently imprison in flagrant cases. A remit dealing with the abolition of the coursing of rabbits and hares was adopted. Several other remits which have been discussed by the various societies lor some years past also come up for consideration, and tlio conference supported the attitude of the societies that- .something be done to remedy {lie present existing evils. The trend of the discussions may he said to have been that legislation could hardly be expected in many instances to effect tlio results desired by societies, and that tho chief objectives arrived at could be more easily obtained through propaganda educating the public on the humane treatment of dumb animals.

A remit was adopted that tlio conference views with concern the abuse growing in the use of the overhead check rein, ami asks that steps he taken to prevent the practice either liy moral suasion or legislation. It was also decided that legislation ho asked to make it compulsory that cattle be dehorned within the first 12 months, excepting stud cattle. Hon G. M. Thomson, in the course of an address, stated that legislation against live pigeon shooting would probably l.e put through next session.