THE WELFARE OF ANIMALS
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.] SIR,—Mr. Stephen Coleridge, in his letter which you published last week, says that, no doubt, I will answer Mr. Edmund T. MacMichael's attack on the Bill which I have presented to Parliament to make the exhibition of " cruel animal films " illegal in this country. I do not consider it necessary to do so. In his recent letter, my colleague, Major Proctor, M.P., set out verbatim the operative part of the Bill which is clear and unequivocable. It is a case of res ipsa loquitur.
It seems to me that Mr. MacMichael's attitude is pitiable. The Animal Welfare Bills which are presented to Parliament on behalf of the R.S.P.C.A. or by the National Canine Defence League are first settled by eminent Parliamentary counsel, and before they are passed are considered by the Government's draftsmen. I prefer to accept their opinion of what is their true construction rather than that of Mr. MacMichael. More- over, the circumstance that he describes the two Bills to which he refers as " spurious " and " hypocritical " stamps his criticism with its true value.
During the past few months Parliament has passed the Slaughter- of -Animals Act, the Protection of Birds Act, the
Protection of Animals (Cruelty to Dogs) Act and the Protec- tion of Animals Act, 1934. Each of these Acts is of great usefulness and has achieved the purpose for which it was intended. That a great deal more remains to be done does not detract from what has been effected already. We have cause for gratification at the progress we have made during the past few months.
The R.S.P.C.A. will continue both in and out of Parliament its beneficent work on behalf of animals. We are indifferent to the petty and carping criticism to which at times we are subjected. Helpful and constructive criticism the Society cordially welcomes. Unfair attacks upon it not only do not help but do the Animal Welfare great harm. We are satisfied that we have the practically unanimous support of animal lovers in the country—that this is so there can be no doubt.— I am, Sir, &c.,
ROBERT GOWER, House of Commons. Chairman, R.S.P.C.A. Council.
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