25. Mr. RARERasked the Home Secretary what is the result of his inquiry into the case of Charles Love, who was fined 40s. at the Willesden Police Court on 26th March for kicking to death a Pomeranian puppy?
§ Mr. SHORTTI find on inquiry that according to the evidence given in Court, the defendant, who had invited a friend to share his dinner, found on entering the kitchen that the puppy had taken the meat prepared for the meal. In a moment of anger, he kicked at the puppy under the table. He only kicked once, but struck a vital part. The justices were of opinion that there was no intention on the part of the defendant to injure the dog seriously and that the case would be met by a fine of 40s. and 43s. costs. I have no authority to question the exercise of their discretion.
Mr. RARERIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, according to the evidence, which was brought forward at the trial, the defendant admitted having threatened to horse-whip his wife if she gave him away; and, further, that the doctor gave evidence to the effect that the dog had been kicked in three places and the dog's loin lacerated in two places?
§ Mr. SHORTTI can only tell my right hon. Friend what is the evidence which the justices tell me they believed.
§ Mr. SHORTTThe magistrates heard the evidence. They are the judges of it.