§ Mr. HORNERasked the Chief Secretary whether the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals called his attention in February last to a case of gross cruelty to a dog at Baltinglass, county Wicklow, tried by the magistrates there and dismissed, although the evidence given by the police and others was clear and uncontradicted; and whether he has taken, or intends to take, any steps in regard to the magistrates who adjudicated?
§ Mr. BIRRELLI received no communication from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in regard to this case. It appears from the information laid before the Lord Chancellor that the alleged cruelty consisted in burying a dog alive, that the magistrates fully considered the case, and dismissed it on the ground that they considered that the defendant honestly believed that the dog was dead at the time he buried it. The Lord Chancellor does not consider it necessary to take any further steps in connection with the matter.