ALLEGED CRUELTY.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20270, 12 August 1937, Page 3

ALLEGED CRUELTY.

WIRES IN SHEEP. CASE AT MORRINSVILLE. (Times Representative.) MORRINSVILLE, Wednesday. In the Magistrate’s Court, Morrinsville, to-day, George Irvine, of Morrinsville, was charged with causing unnecessary suffering to sheep. Mr S. L. Paterson, S.M., was on the bench and Mr E. McGregor appeared for defendant. The case for the police was conducted by Constable J. McMullin. Constable McMullin explained that the basis of the charge was that defendant, having Inserted wire in the sheep to counteract trouble at lambing time, had left it there, thus causing unnecessary suffering. The sheep had later been sent to Waihi, where they had been bought and killed by Amalgamated Butchers, Limited. It was then that the wires had been discovered. Constable McMullin stated that he understood that the procedure carried out by Irvine was used in all parts of the Dominion. However, the point at issue was whether defendant had left the wires in the sheep for too long. Evidence of having sold the sheep was given by J. j. Seales, auctioneer’s agent, of Morrinsville. In reply to Mr McGregor, witness stated that the corrective treatment with the wire rings which had been adopted by Irvine was an accepted practice and was carried out to prevent cruelty to the ewes. In some instances the treatment had to be persisted with for a considerable length of time. Veterinarian's Evidence. David Marshall, Government veterinary surgeon, Hamilton, stated that Die condition outlined by the prosecution was a common one and the treatment consisted of replacing the affected parts and using stitches. Tying Die wool was another remedy, lie had not previously seen wire used, but lie did not think that the actual insertion would constitute cruelty. However, if it were very long, the wire might, cause suffering. Imicr cross-examination witness said Hint trouble at lambing lime was oflou experienced by sheep farmers. Witness admitted flint if a shepherd encountered an affected ewe ho would have lo use Die most convenient means as a remedy. His Worship did not call any evidence for | ho defence. Irvine, he said was charged will, causing unnecessary suffering by leaving the wire in tial to prove that defendant C know Dial lie was causing unnecessary suffering. There was no evidence to ll'''l ellecl -and it was not known who had pul Hie wire in the sheep or how long il bad been lliere. The case was dismissed.