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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 27

Otago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

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Otago Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

On the 26th June, 1882, at a public meeting convened by Messrs. G. Fenwick and H. Houghton, a resolution was passed affirming the desirability of forming a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and a Provisional Committee was formed to carry out that object.

This Provisional Committee reported to an adjourned meeting on the 13th July, when the Society was organised, and rules were adopted, and a General Committee was appointed.

The Committee advertised for a suitable person to act as inspector and collector, and out of a number of applicants, several of whom appeared to be well fitted for the office, selected Mr. Robert Thomson Aitken, who had been in the employ of a similar Society in Glasgow. Mr. Aitken entered on his duties on the 1st October, and was subsequently, at the request of the Committee, sworn in as a constable, thus having the same status and power to deal with offenders as a policeman. Mr. Aitken has shown himself zealous and intelligent in the discharge of his duties, and has given perfect satisfaction to the Committee. His time has been wholly devoted to the work of the Society, principally in Dunedin and suburbs; but he has also visited Waikouaiti, Milton, Mosgiel, Toiro (near Clinton), &c.

Knowing that cruelty is often the result of ignorance and stupidity, the Committee instructed the inspector not to prosecute at first except in flagrant cases or where his remonstrance was disregarded, and consequently he only prosecuted in seven cases, and in each case obtained a conviction. Ninety-six cautions were administered to various persons for illtreatment of horses and other animals, with, it is believed, very good effect. Four horses unfit for work were destroyed at the request of the inspector. During the same time four cases of cruelty have been prosecuted by the police, who have acted most harmoniously with your Society.

At the suggestion of Mr. Slesinger, V.S., notice has been given to farriers to discontinue the cruel practice of burning horses' mouths for lampas.

In one case where a horse died, as it was suspected, from overdriving, the driver absconded, apparently from fear of prosecution, but the fact that the matter was taken up by the Society will probably cause others to be more careful.

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The thanks of the Society are due to Messrs. A. Bathgate, F. R. Chapman, and R. Stout, your honorary solicitors, for their ready and gratuitous services in advising the inspector and conducting prosecutions; to Messrs. Douglas, Durham, Farquharson, and Slesinger, your honorary veterinary surgeons, who have given much valuable information, and also to Mr. Weldon and the Police Department generally for their most ready assistance and advice.

The income of the Society for the past year has been £159 6s., and the expenditure £116 16s. 6d., leaving a balance of £42 9s. 6d., but from this the cost of printing and circulating this report will have to be deducted.

The present number of members is 317, and the Committee earnestly hope that very many more will be induced to join as the Society becomes better known. From a desire to interest children in the work, special provision was made for their admission as associates on payment of one shilling, but up to the present time none have availed themselves of the opportunity. This is much to be regretted, and also that so few ladies have joined the Society. In England it is not so; there the majority of the subscribers appear to be women. The Committee, however, admit that they have not brought the subject very prominently forward, and recommend it to the careful consideration of their successors, feeling sure that such a work of kindness—so essentially woman's work—only requires to be placed before ladies to ensure their sympathy and support. In reply to a letter written to the Education Board of Otago, asking for its countenance in bringing the objects of the Society before the children attending the State schools, an answer was received expressing the sympathy of the Board with the objects of the Society, and its hope that the teachers will forward those objects by all means in their power. This also will require the attention of the incoming Committee.

Overtures have been made to several municipalities with a view to the establishment of branch societies, but the only satisfactory reply yet received has been from Gore.* As the Committee's year of office had nearly expired, this also was allowed to stand over for the decision of their successors.

During the present year a much larger expense must be incurred for printing if the Society is to take its proper position as a factor in the education of the people. To do this adequately a much larger income will be necessary, and the Committee most earnestly seek the sympathy and assistance of all lovers of animals—of all, indeed, who have any feeling for their poor dumb fellow creatures.