§ On the order of the day for committing this bill,
Lord Calthorpemade several observations in support of the principle of checking wanton cruelty, and stated it to be his intention to move some amendments in the committee.
The Earl of Rosslyn, being of opinion that legislation on this subject did great mischief, would oppose the bill. He dwelt on the injustice which might be done to the owners of horses and cattle, if this bill passed. On comparing the bill with that which it professed to amend, it would be found that all the provisions which limited the penalties to intentional cruelty were left out, so that no persons would be safe in the management of animals, on subjecting them to necessary operations. Any cutting even of the skin might be held to be cruelty under this bill. He would therefore move, that it be committed this day three months.
Lord Suffieldsaid, he would agree with the noble earl in his objections, if the execution of the bill were to be left to the magistrates; but when it was provided, that the cases should come before a jury, he thought there was no danger of the law being abused.
After a few words from lord Calthorpe and the Lord Chancellor, the amendment was agreed to, and the bill was consequently lost.