Leney employee charged with horse cruelty (1862)

Post date: Mar 16, 2013 2:24:20 PM

Extract from Maidstone Telegraph 7 January 1862.

Maidstone Intelligence.

MAIDSTONE PETTY SESSIONS.

Saturday.—Before W. Haynes, Esq. (Mayor) R. Cooper, and T. Franklyn, Esqs.— William Cole, late in the employ of Mr. Leney, of Wateringbury, brewer, was charged, at the instance of Superintendent Blundell, with cruelly beating a horse, the property of his master. From the evidence of Mr. A. Bootes and Mr. H. Turner, it appeared that on the 19th ult., the defendant was in the neighbohood of Knightrider-street, driving a brewer's dray, when the shaft horse becoming restive the defendant cruelly lashed into the poor animal, using both ends of the whip, until the horse sank down on its haunches, apparently terror stricken. When expostulated with the defendant used insolent and disgusting language. In answer to the charge, he stated that the horse was very stubborn, having kicked him and caused him a great deal of trouble. Superintendent Blundell said be had been requested by Mr. Leney to state that the defendant had been discharged from his service.

The magistrates characterised the conduct of Cole as most brutal, and ordered him to pay 10s. and costs.

Legislation to protect animals from cruelty preceded legislation against cruelty to child and female workers. In 1822 Richard ('Humanity Dick') Martin's 1822 act dealt with live-stock and Horses; it was extended in 1835, 1849 and 1854 to cover most domestic animals. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was founded in 1824. Princess Victoria was an early supporter and, as queeen, gave it the title 'Royal' in 1840.