ACTION NOT TO BE TAKEN

Southland Times, Issue 24234, 18 September 1940, Page 6

ACTION NOT TO BE TAKEN

Cruelty Alleged At Coursing Meeting (Special to The Times) DUNEDIN, September 17. After receiving legal advice that the prosecution would have little chance of success, the Otago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at a meeting today decided to go no further with its proposal to institute a Court action against those responsible for a coursing meeting at Forbury Park on June 22, when it was stated that 15 hares were killed out of 15 courses. It was resolved, however, not to let the matter rest, but to circularize all sister societies in New Zealand asking them to assist in bringing pressure on the Goverment to prohibit live hare coursing in enclosed areas. The firm of solicitors to which the question has been referred reported that in its opinion the evidence available was insufficient to support a charge under the Police Offences Act, which required proof, when cruelty was alleged, that there had been guilty knowledge or intention. There was no evidence, however, that the hares in question were in other than strong condition when they were run, and no evidence could be found of unnecessary suffering being caused. The only extraordinary circumstance seemed to be the very high proportion of hares killed, but whether that was due to insufficient training or to the removal of the baulks, or to both, was not clear.

“There is apparently nothing illegal in the so-called ‘sport’ of coursing,” the letter said, “any more than there is in the wretched practice of live pigeon trap shooting, provided that it is conducted properly.” The letter added that, surprisingly enough, no regulations regarding coursing had been Gazetted, although authority for the making of them was given in the Animals Protection and Game Act 1921-22. The English authorities did not offer assistance. OFFERS OF SUPPORT The secretary reported that offers of support in the society’s campaign against live-hare coursing had been received from societies in Auckland, Wanganui, Canterbury and North Otago. “After hearing legal opinion I don’t think we would have a leg to stand on if we went to Court,” said Mr J. C. Willis. “A great many people would like us to prosecute, but I don’t think there is any possibility of our being successful. We have done our duty as far as we can in that direction, but evidently the law requires that wanton cruelty should be proved.” The chairman, Mr E. C. Reynolds, said he understood that the police report agreed with the legal opinion as to the chances of prosecution being successful. If there had been gross cruelty the police would no doubt have had to take action.

“I think, nevertheless, that we have done the right thing in bringing this question up,” Mr Reynolds added, “because it has been given publicity right throughout New Zealand and that will probably help us either in having regulations made to cover coursing or in having it abolished altogether.”