THE ELL-TREAT3IENT OF ANIMALS.
[To ran EDITOR Or THE " SPECTATOR...3 SIR,—a was pleated to read the letter in your issue of January 11th regarding cruelty to horses. For many years I have been distressed at the unnecessary suffering caused to horses by rough usage, such as jerking the reins and awing the horses' mouths. I think this is mainly the result of ignorance, and I notice it has been aggravated since the war began owing to the more experienced drivers having been replaced by young lads. About two years ago, after making efforts in other direc- tions, Igot the Glasgow Carting Contractors' and Homeowners' Association, and the Scottish Horse and Motormen's Association, to paste up in stables, railway stations, and similar places fre- quented by carters, and to circulate in leaflets throughout Scotland, the following
"Nomm.
Drivers are reminded that a horse's mouth is naturally tender. They are requested to avoid rough usage, such as Jerking the reins and sawing the mouth, Which inflict great pain and tend to make the horse hard-mouthed."
I am informed that an unusually large proportion of cart- horses have died and been ill since the war began, and it is obvious that if a horse's mouth is not in good condition it cannot masticate the somewhat poor food it has had lately. Theu, if a horse is maddened with pain, it is no wonder it takes the bit between its teeth and rune away. Your corre- spondent's suggestion of a compulsory licence to drive is, 1 think, a step in the right direction.-1 sin, Sir, &c.,
3 Grosvenor Crescent, Glasgow. Qualm J. MsoLase. [We are reutiuded that the National Equine Defence League. at 27 Beaconsfield Road, New Southgate, N. 11, has long advo- cated the licensing of those who drive bones.—Nn. Spectator.]
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