Fiji Indians and Diseased
p. 68 · Read in the full issue
Cattle
Suva, Aug. 1.
“ A HINDU owner would rather die him- A self than shoot a diseased beast,” said Mr. A. D. Patel, at the July sitting of the Legislative Council of Fiji when a Bill to amend the Animals (Con tagious Diseases) Ordinance was being debated.
The Bill empowers veterinary officers and inspectors, if so authorised by the Director of Agriculture, to order the des truction of diseased animals.
A Fijian member, Joeli K. Ravai, said that the officer concerned should see that the animal really was destroyed. Cases occurred; he said, in which condemned animals were disposed of to Fijians.
Ratu Tiale Vuiyasawa asked for stock inspectors, and Ratu Estuate Mataitini asked what was the penalty for non compliance.
Mr. Patel protested against the onus of destruction being placed on the owners.
The Director of Agriculture (Mr. C.
Harvey) said that failing action by the owner, the officer making the order was prepared to undertake the task of des truction. The veterinary staff had re cently been increased.