Richard Martin (M.P.) - Animal Rights

Animal Rights

Martin is now most famous for his work against the cruelty to animals, especially against bear baiting and dog fighting. His actions resulted eventually in Martin's Act of 1822, entitled "Ill Treatment of Cattle Bill". He also tried to spread his ideas in the streets of London, becoming the target of jokes and political cartoons that depicted him with ears of an ass. He also sometimes paid fines of minor offenders. On 16 June 1824 he was present when the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was founded in a London coffee shop "Old Slaughter's", though he denied being the initiator of the society.

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