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”Bill’s Donkey Then Was Brought Into Court,
Who Caused of Course a Deal of Sport;
He Cocked His Ears and Op’d His Jaws,
As Tho’ He Meant to Plead His Cause.”This dramatic print (approximately 179 years old) was published in London by P. Mathews circa 1822. A plate, it was engraved by Charles Hunt, printed on fine woven paper and beautifully hand-colored, historically depicting the 1st animal abuse trial of its kind at the time.
"The Martin’s Act," was the first law passed against cruelty to animals in Britain in 1822, and was sponsored by Richard Martin MP. It was considered a milestone because the original Legislation back then had covered mainly cattle and did not include horses, cats, dogs, and birds. In essence, this was the world's first ever, anti-cruelty law.
In 1824 the SPCA - Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was formed, receiving the backing of four Members of Parliament, including the aforementioned Richard Martin as well as William Wilberforce, well-known for his fight to end slavery in the British colonies.
(This Page last updated: February 15, 2002)
