§ Mr. JEREMIAH MacVEAGHasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware that cattle-maiming has taken place on the farm of Mr. James, at Walton, near Burton-on-Trent; will he say how many animals were mutilated, how many disembowelled, and how many have died; and whether any arrests have been made?
§ Mr. GLADSTONEI am informed that three calves were killed on the farm in question; their throats were cut, and two of them were also badly mutilated. On an adjoining farm a sheep has been killed. No clue has yet been discovered to the perpetrator of these abominable outrages.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHIs it not a fact that a number of cattle-maiming outrages have occurred in this district over a short period of years?
§ Mr. GLADSTONENot in this particular district. I think my hon. Friend is referring to a district not far distant.
§ Mr. MacVEAGHAm I right in assuming that this county is in England and not in Ireland?
§ Mr. GLADSTONETo the best of my information my hon. Friend is right.
§ Mr. KILBRIDEIn regard to the owners of these cattle, are they entitled to compensation from the grand juries of the counties or from the county court judge?