The annual meeting of the Limerick branch of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was held on Saturday afternoon at the Chamber of Commerce. Mr E J Long, City High Sheriff, presided, and there was a large attendance.

Mr Austin Hall, Hon Sec, read the report as follows:

• The Committee desire to submit their first annual report for the year 1905, and in doing so are pleased to be able to state that for so young a branch, which is yet in its infancy, and having but one inspector, the work done during the twelve months is considerable.
• It can be readily understood that in the case of a Society working with one inspector in so large an area as Limerick, many cases of cruelty must escape detection.
• The committee would therefore appeal to those of the general public, who are in sympathy with the Society’s aims, that when cases of cruelty come under their notice they would communicate with the Hon Secretary when the matter will be inquired into, and where possible a conviction obtained.
• They would make a special appeal to the clergy of all denominations to use their influence for the better treatment of animals, as they feel the clergy have many opportunities, in their relations with the people to teach a spirit of humanity.
• Many of the cases of cruelty are these resulting from thoughtlessness, or hasty temper, and not from deliberate malice, and are just those, that a word spoken by a clergyman at his own time and discretion would prevent.
• The Inspector visits the fowl and cattle markets, docks, etc, where cattle are shipped, and carters ply for hire, and other places through the city where cases of cruelty are likely to be detected. He also occasionally visits the homes of the people detected to see that they continue to treat the animal in a proper manner.
• In cases where the guilty party lives outside Limerick, the Hon Secretary communicates with the RIC Sergeant of the district requesting him to keep the case under his notice.
• The number of cases of cruelty reported by the Inspector of the Society during the year was 106. Of those 58 were cautioned, it will be seen by looking at the return given below how the remaining 48 were dealt with.
• The sub-committee meet every month, or oftener when necessary, to transact any business that may arise.
• The Society is supported by voluntary contributions. If every humane person who takes an interest in the protection of animals, made a contribution, no matter how small, it would materially assist the Society, and enable it to enlarge its field of operation.
• The total amount of subscriptions for 1905, and how it has been dealt with may be seen by looking at the cash account.
• In conclusion, the Committee desire to thank those who so generously contributed to its funds, and the members of the Royal Irish Constabulary for their assistance.—G E Farmer, Chairman.

The report was unanimously adopted.

Mr A Caulfield moved that collecting cards be printed and issued to the members, with the object of adding to the funds of the association.

Mr Courtenay Croker seconded the proposition, which was agreed to.

Mr Croker moved the re-election of the Earl of Dunraven as president of the association; the Mayor, the City High Sheriff, and Mr James Ellis Goodbody as vice presidents, and the following committee—Lady Nash, Mrs M O’Brien, Mrs Atkinson, Mrs Nash, Mrs Archdall, C Croker, R de Ros Rose, A Hall,sr; Rev E Archdall, G Fogerty, 3 p; G E Farmer, Major Wellington, W M Nolan, aod E Brown; hon veterinary surgeon, E C Winter; hon solicitor, A Blood-Symth; and hon secretary, Austin Hall.

Mrs R Coplen Langford, s r, seconded the proposition, which was passed unanimously

Mr James E Goodbody proposed a vote of thanks to the officers and Press, and the motion being seconded by Rev Mr Archdall, was passed nem con.

A vote of thanks to the High Sheriff was unanimously carried, and several subscriptions having been received, the meeting concluded.

Butted by a Bullock

In one of the cases reported by the Inspector, a man was charged with cruelty to a bullock. The animal had been butted by another bullock and had received injuries which required veterinary treatment. The man was fined £1 and costs.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 10 April 1906