The Stourbridge Observer, Cradley Heath, Halesowen & District Chronicle.
Stourbridge, West Midlands, England, 1873-07-12 00:00:00

PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO
ANIMALS.

The annual general meeting of the friends of the
Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
was held in London on Monday, under the pre.idency
of the Earl of Harrowhy, who was supported by the
Duke and I iuctiese of Teck, Lady Burdett Coutte, the
Bishop of Gloucester and Prieto], Bishop Ryan, Sir
Walter Stirling, Arehdeamn Fearcn, the Rev. Preben-
dary Jackson, Colonel Higgins, Captain Rogers, Dr,
Framer, and others.
. -

Colain, the secretary read a lengthy report des
tailing the work of the society during the past year in
the United Kingdom, on the Continent, and in the
United States, all of which had been of the most satis-
factory nature. In June next, the 13th year of the
leociety'a existence would be celebrated by a Congress
in London, at which representatives from all parts of the
civil zed world would be present. The wurk and objects
of the society had been laid before the Shah of Persia
and the Japanese Amba.seadors during their recent
visits, and appeared to be highly appreciated by them.
The prosecutions instituted by the soviet., in England
during the past year had resulted in 1 506 convictions,
of which 1,232 had been for cruelty to hopes. Of the per-
sons thus convicted 110 had bean punished with im-
prisonment and 1,396 by lines. The report referred to
the cruelty practised upon the horses employed in the
Commissariat Department at the Autumn M. ten vres,
and notice had this year hem, given to the War office
that the rifficers of the so iety would prosecute all caws
of roelty which came under their notice. The ci uelty
inflicted upon cattle and other animals on their transit
by rail way and steamboats was also engaging the at-
tention of the society. the report coueudis with
reference to the great services of the Ladies' Corns
mittee, under the direction of Lady Burdett-Cdutts,
in the catim of humanity. The financial statement
showed the total inonme for the year. including the
balance of £1,400, to have been £9 952 13s. 53.. and
the expenditure, including £1 000 invested, £9,632 15s.
A legacy of £lO 000 has been received from the late
Mr. Tommie liolme, and bar been invested, making
the total sum invested £31,000.
The chairman said in past years be had felt it his
duty at these annual meetings to speak at some length
upon the great value and importance of the society,
but he cenaidered the time had now arrived when no
pleading on his part was required, Public opinion in
this country entirely endorsed the objects of the society,
and the feelmg in its favour ill ovoi the civilized world
war rapidly growing. He hope I the Legislature would
take measures for toe abolition of private slaughter-
houses.

Archdeacon Fearon, on moving the adoption of the
report, said it was rinße refreshing to him as a clergy-
man to attend a pablic meeting which had nothing to
discuss about Church rubrics, but was held in the in-
terests of humanity. Mr. Mocatta seconded the resolu•
Mon, which was agreed to. The Duchess of Trek, as-
Meted by Lady Burdett- Coutts, torn proceeded to dis-
tribute ptiz-s, in the shape of suitable books,
testimonials on vellum &c., to 360 boys and girls, cm.
nectrd with en masy metropolitan schoo's. for the
last essays written by scholars in such schools "On
the Duty of Kindness to animals." The distribution
oecopied about an hour.
The Bishop or Oh:wester moved a vote of thanks to
the Duchess of Teck for her kindness in attending the
meeting to present the prizes. The Duke of Tech briefly
acknowledged the vote.