STARVING ANIMALS

Hokitika Guardian, 23 March 1932, Page 8

STARVING ANIMALS

DROVER BEFORE COURT. CONVICTED .AND FINED £lO 1 AUCKLAND, March 22. “I’ve a good mind to send you to gaol without the option of a fine,” said Mr F. (Ki. Hunt S.M., to George Thompson, a drover, fined £lO, or one month's imprisonment, in the Police Court th ? morning on a charge of failing to supply sufficient food, water, and shelter to animals.

Thompson i.s a well-known figure in the city, who may often be seen attired in Wild West outfit riding a hor,se in Queen Street, advertising a theatre picture. He pleaded not guilty. The case was conducted by Mr J. J. Hollingworth, insepetor for the Society !for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Joseph Silva, residing at Ellerslie, said he went to defendant’s place on Sunday, February 13, and there saw seven dogs and two horses. Five of the dogs were chained up. “They were nearly dead, said witness, “and were so crumpled up with starvation that they could hardly move. -I got a calf which had just died, and threw it to them. I also gave th® dogs water, and they lappeu it up. The way those dogs ate that calf wa s worse than eating by wild animals at the zoo.

Mr 'Hunt: Was Thompson home when you were there?—No, he was away. Witness added that the two horses were tethered up on a rocky surface and had not a single blade of grass to eat.

“BRING IT OVER.” The next witness was a neighbour, Mrs May Dracevich, who said she lived only a chain and a half from Thompson’s house." Thompson on one occasion was away for a week, and when he returned witness complained to him of ithe condition of the horses and dogs. She offered him a calf to feed the dogs. Thompson said, “Righto, bring it over.” “We did not take it over to n'lm,” said Mrs Dracevich, “as my husband said that if he was too lazy to come and get the calf,' he could go without.” Air Hunt: Did you ever speak to him about starving the animals before?— Yes, on several occasions. When he went away we used to take, pity on the poor things and feed them ourselves. Mr Hunt: Thompson .ought to be starved himself 'for a week. Mrs Dracevich: Yes, I agree. If I had my way I would tie him up as he tied his animals up. Inspector Hollingworth said he sa.w the five dogs chained up. There was no doubt that the dogs and the two horse s were starving. When he last saw the horses they were-in good condition, but now there were in a bad state. Prior •to January, Thompson got meat for nothing, but since then he was not able in get a free supply.

STARVATION DENIED. Thompson : I deny that the animals were starving. When I was away theie was supposed to be a boy feeding them. I iilway s got them skim milk and pollard. Thompson then gave evidence and denied that the animals were in a starving condition and that he did not feed them. Cross-examined by Mr Hollingworth he admitted that he was convicted and fined £5 <for cruelty t<> animals at Onehunga in 'August of 193 d. )“Since that I have been careful ito see they wore properly fed,’ he added. "Are you .single or married ? asked the magistrate. "Single, but I have three dependents,” answered Thompson. Thompson was convicted and fined £lO, or one month’s imprisonment. "Can I have time to pay?” he asked. Mr Hunt: I will give you until tomorrow morning to pay, otherwise you will serve the month. You will be led a good deal better in ’Mount Eden than you fed your animals, too.