PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 September 1916, Page 6

PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

ANNUAL REPORT,

The annual resort of the Taranak l Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals is as follows:

Owing to lack of funds the committee were compelled to give notice to the Inspector of their intention to terminate bis engagement. He, however, was good enough to offer to continue to act as honorary inspector. The committee thankfully accepted his offer. His travelling expenses are paid by the society. The committee desire to acknowledge the prompt and valuable assistance afforded by the Sub-Inspector of Police and his subordinates in investigating and reporting upon cases of alleged ill-treat-ment of animals. Many complaints of ill-treatment have been received during the past year. All were investigated promptly. Some have been dealt with effectively. In otliei cases it was found that nothing could he done fos lack of sufficient evidence. In eases as to ani-•ni!-i eairicd by rail, while if was clear tli.Vi animals have heen "done to death,there was much difficulty in affixing liability upon the proper person. The committee have been surprised at the lack of care shown by thosi! interested. In cne case where five sheep valued at £ii os were killed, it is manifest that it would have paid the consignor or consignee to have had a man in charge of ihe sheep. By putting a man in charge of animals such as cattle, horses, sheep and swine, the persnn-at whose risk they were being carried would minimise the dangers attending transport by rail such as overcrowding, undue delay at stations, and want of food or water.

During tht' year the committee appointed some of our members honorary inspectors. It is hoped that those appointed will now feel justified in taking a me-, prominent part in the work of the society by preventing acts of crueltj and bringing offenders to justice. The society lias been unabh to prevent certain practices against which it has protested, such as the coursing of hares in enclosed spaces and the shooting of 1 tapped pigeons for sport. It is hoped, however, that some amendment of the 'aw to cover such eases may he obtained. The society regrets that its efforts to establish branches at Hawera, Stratford and other towns have not been successful. Tt would welcome heartily any overtures from friends in such places to form branebe.'. there.