THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Hopes that work of USPCA would one day reach ‘remotest’ Ulster

The half-yearly meeting of the Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (USPCA) had been held the previous day in the Oak Room of the Carlton in Belfast, reported the News Letter on this day in 1929.

Mrs Holmes, the Honorary Secretary of the USPCA, told those gathered that evening that major inroads had been made to highlight their work.

She stated that all the candidates for the Imperial and Northern Ireland Parliaments had been written to personally asking them for their opinions upon “certain humane measures” and a resume of the replies received were presented to the society.

She told how Animals Welfare Week had once again been held in the Province in May during which many clergymen preached sermons on animal welfare, while lessons were also given at Sunday schools and day schools.

In addition to this the USPCA branches had also organised special events around the Province to mark the week.

Miss D Fennell, the USPCA’s organiser, submitted a report to the half-yearly meeting which showed that many districts in Northern Ireland which had “hitherto been untouched” by the work of the USPCA had been “opened up” and it was hoped in the near future “even the remotest part of Ulster'' would be under the supervision of local representatives and a society’s inspector.

Meanwhile, the report of USPCA veterinary hospital at Glengormley showed that 186 animals and birds had received treatment during the months ended May 31, 11 horses and 3 donkeys were “rested” at the Strathearne Home of Rest, and 124 were treated, “free of all charge” at the City Dispensary, Tyrone Yard, Hamilton Street, Belfast.