DOG RACING BILL
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] Sm,—In ignoring dog racing as organized in pursuit of the live hare, and confining the application of the provisions of the Dog Racing Bill to places in which the " object pursued by the dog is propelled by mechanical means," the promoters seem to be acting contrary to the principles underlying their objection to this sport, which is, we understand, the harmful and degrading effects of the betting which is its natural accompaniment. Those who attend meetings held under the rules of the National and also the Irish Coursing Clubs know that betting is the chief attraction, plus most horrible cruelty, which surely adds to the degradation of which the promoters of the Bill complain.
We urge, therefore, that this Bill shall be amended by eliminating the words, " in which any object propelled by mechanical means is pursued," from Clause 1, and adding the word " Rural " in Clause 6, so that in future voters and ratepayers, especially those living in urban and rural areas, shall have an opportunity of expressing their opinion through their local authority in regard to the establishment in their midst of live-hare coursing, as well as that of mechanical-hare coursing. This slight alteration in the text of the Bill would not necessitate any change in its title, as, of course, in each case the success of the sport, as well as the betting, depends upon " dog racing." Surely, therefore, it is highly inconsistent and unjust to allow the National and Irish Coursing Clubs to continue in their present state of freedom in regard to the formation of new clubs, while limiting drastically the operations of the National Greyhmind Racing Association in this respect ?
All who are in favour of the Bill being amended in this simple, just, and logical manner are earnestly asked to inform their representative in the Imperial Parliament of their wishes without a moment's delay, and to take such other immediate action as they may deem necessary. .
This Bill does not apply to Northern Ireland, but doubtless our Government will follow the lead of the Imperial Parliament in regard to it, when, if amended as suggested, the Ulster Society will assist its passage into law by every means in its power.—We are, Sir, &c., F. M. HOLMES, M. A. MCLEAN, (In orporated), 14a High Street, Belfast.
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