Common Carriers Act 1874

Every railway company shall be liable for the loss of or for any injury done to any horses, cattle, or other animals, or to any articles, goods, or things in the receiving, forwarding, or delivering thereof occasioned by the neglect or default of such company or its servants, notwithstanding any notice, condition, or declaration made and given by such company contrary thereto, or in anywise limiting such liability, and every such notice, condition, or declaration is hereby declared to be null and void.

Nothing herein contained shall prevent the said companies from making such conditions with respect to the receiving, forwarding, and delivering of any of the said animals, articles, goods, or things as shall be adjudged by the Court or judge before whom any question relating thereto is tried to be just and reasonable.