Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that, on Sunday night, the 10th April last, a cattle-drive took place on the estate of Captain H. H. Jones, Rathlea, Ballina; whether all the animals have been recovered; whether any arrests have been made in connection with the outrage; and what steps have been taken to prevent similar occurrences in that neighbourhood in future?
§ The CHIEF SECRETARY for IRELAND (Mr. Birrell)A cattle-drive took place on Captain Jones' estate on the night mentioned. All the cattle have been recovered. No arrests have been made, but it is hoped that the protection post which has been established on the property will have the effect of preventing further drives.
Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary whether he is aware that on the night of the 16th April last eight head of cattle, belonging to a man named Peter Tarpey, of Ballyglass, county Galway, were driven off his farm through a gap maliciously made in the wall; whether Peter Tarpey had purchased his farm, and a rumour was current that he wanted to purchase an adjoining farm, which was resented by his neighbours; whether the cattle have been recovered; whether any arrests have been made; and what steps have been taken to prevent further outrages of a similar nature in the locality?
§ Mr. BIRRELLTarpey's cattle were driven off his farm on the night of 16th April in the circumstances mentioned in the question. They have been recovered. The police have not been able to make any arrests, but they are doing all that is possible to prevent further drives.
Captain CRAIGasked the Chief Secretary whether he can state the number of cattle drives that have taken place in 1047 Ireland during the months of January, February, March, April, and May last respectively; and the number of arrests made and sentences imposed on the perpetrators of the outrages?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI find that there were fourteen cattle drives in January, six in February, twenty-two in March, twenty-four in April, and thirty-five in May. Two hundred and twenty-four persons were arrested in connection with these drives, of whom twenty-seven were discharged, 127 were bound to the peace and gave bail, and thirty-five were committed to gaol in default of bail, nine for one month, six for ten weeks, and twenty for three months. The charges against the remaining thirty-five have been adjourned, and are still pending.
Captain CRAIGMay I ask whether it would not be possible to prosecute these cattle drivers for malicious injury, or cruelty to animals, or something of that sort?
§ Mr. BIRRELLMalicious injury or cruelty has to be proved. You cannot take action against people unless you have reason to believe that you can make good the charge.
Captain CRAIGMay I ask whether it is not a fact that all former attempts to suppress cattle-driving have been absolutely futile, and whether the right hon. Gentleman will not take steps to stop this cruel form of outrage?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI am doing the best I can.
§ Mr. LONSDALEasked the Chief Secretary how many cases of cattle-driving have been reported to the police since 1st April last; and how many were similarly reported in the corresponding period of 1909?
§ Mr. BIRRELLSixty-one cases of cattle-driving have been reported to the police between 1st April and 8th June of this year. There were sixty-six cases during the corresponding period of last year.
§ Mr. LONSDALEasked the Chief Secretary whether he will state the number of extra police drafted into the Ballysteen district, county Limerick, for the protection of cattle; and what is the cost placed on the ratepayers in respect of such police protection?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI understand that eight men have been sent from other parts of the county to the police stations near Ballysteen as a temporary measure owing to cattle-driving in the neighbourhood. This arrangement does not entail any increased cost to the ratepayers.
§ Mr. LONSDALEasked the Chief Secretary how many claims for compensation for injury to cattle have been lodged during the past three months; what is the amount claimed, the amount awarded, and the amount in respect of claims still unheard; and whether he proposes to proceed against those responsible for injury and cruelty to the cattle by driving?
§ Mr. BIRRELLThe figures asked for by the hon. Member could not be furnished without local inquiries which would take some time. If he wishes to move for a Return I will consider whether it can be given. All persons found cattle-driving are proceeded against.
§ Mr. LONSDALEasked the Chief Secretary whether his attention has been called to the cruelty practised upon animals in connection with recent cattle drives in Ireland; and whether he will direct that proceedings should be taken in such cases against offenders to recover the penalties imposed by the Cruelty to Animals Act for overdriving or abusing cattle?
§ Mr. BIRRELLUp to the present the police have found no sufficient ground for charging the persons who have taken part in cattle drives with cruelty to animals. Should cases of cruelty, such as is contemplated by the Statute, occur the police will take the necessary action.