[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIRS I read with
interest a letter in your issue of the 24th inst. from the Secretary of the Performing Animal Defence League, in which he referred to Lord Lonsdale's refusal to resign either from the presidency of Mills's Circus or his position as vice- president of the R.S.P.C.A.
May I say that I brought up this question some time ago at a council meeting of the R.S.P.C.A., and put a resolution on the agenda that Lord Lonsdale should be asked to resign as vice-president, as I considered it was quite inconsistent with his patronage of wild beast shows and performing animals which the society is fighting against? A majority of the council voted against my resolution (giving as the reason that it would " offend the House of Lords " !).
I wish to draw the attention of members to this incident as typical of what often goes on : no steps taken for fear of offending someone in a prominent position. I receive numerous letters of complaint from members of the R.S.P.C.A. all over the country asking why there is so much delay in getting any reforms, and they are puzzled at the lack of progress.
Personally I feel most strongly that measures framed to stop cruelty to animals should never be turned down for any reason whatever. The Society should think of the welfare of animals and for that alone ; it was founded for that object. The kind-hearted public support it most generously, but they know nothing of the way it is worked, and with all .the money at its disposal I consider a great many unneces- sary cruelties, such as performing animals, should not be in existence to-day.
I should like the members to know that, in my opinion, they should bestir themselves, look into the matter and take a hand in reorganizing what should be a most mag- [This correspondence concerning Lord Lonsdale's position in the R.S.P.C.A. must now cease.—En. Spectator.]
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