The River Falls journal. (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1857-1861, 1860-05-16
The Dog Law.
We copy the following article from the
Prescott Democrat Of May 2nd.


Wc-copy the following article from the
Prescott Democrat Of May 2nd.
TIE dog law. the champion fight, and the
Fryer and Potter duel, for some time past,
have been themes of public comment. The
Justification OF the parties comprising the Two
last mentioned subjects is something, at pre-
sent. we propose not 10 discuss. But the re-
cent dog law passed by the late Wisconsin
Legislature, is imposing burdensome taxation
upon private citizens that is njustihable and
extremely Objectionable in many OF its fea-
lures. The principle reason that can be as
signed for the passage OF such law is for the
protection of sheen in that portion of the State
where shecp-ra;sing las been introduced and
is a profitable business to the farmers. But,
az vet, over the greatest extent OF our territory
the country has not been sufficiently develop
ed to Justify the ntroduct Oh o. sheep-rasing
of much in portance. And in many OF our
northein and western counties, where there
arc no shecp the people are compelled TO Pay
tax Of one to three dollars upon their dogs
TO prevent them from killing sheep in the
southern and eastern portions of the State
And in particular localities. where dogs and
sheep are numerous. if tie owEsr of any sheep
or LAMBS suffering loss by manning or killing
thereof bv dogs, lie can collect all damages
f ON the town or city in which the dogs HAS
ter resides Bv this We see that the town or
CITY is compelled to pay for property destroy
ed hy the dogs OF private individuals and OF
course, if there is not money accumulated from
the dog law TO pay the damages. the taX-pay-
ers or dog payers must pay an extra tax to
liou;date the Indebtedness of the town or
city, caused by sheep killing from the dogs of
private individuals.
all Ind
is A GOOD opening for some dog owner, with
small capital. to purchase Digs that under
stand sheep killing. and go INTO this business.
The tow OF city will pay for it.
We have no doubt but that the editor
of the Democrat, honestly wishes to ad-
vance the interests of this section of the
country, but in this article he has made
an esregieus mistake in his policy and has
totally insrerresented the general feeling
of the people. The law alluded to is not
.unjustifabIe," but is measure which
was urgently demanded for the protection
of tic wool-growing interest in the south
ern and eastern parts of the State. For
several years the Legislature has been
importuued to pass such law, and its
Justice and sound policy are easily dis
ccrned. The Democrat objects to this
law locauso it compels the northern and
western counties to pay tax on their
dogs to prevent them from killing sheep
/ in tho southern parts of the state. Not
Mt ali. my friend. 1t is to make it safe
to introduce sheep here. No ono who
has given the subject any attention,
doubts bat that the general introduction
of sheep into this county would be Of
great benefit. The experience Of the last
two years has taught or farmers that it
will not do to rely wholly on raising
grain. We are too far from the great
cattle markets to make it very profitable
to raise stock for expectation, and many
Of the most discerning of our farmers are
already beginning to turn their attention
! to raising sheep. Etfortsl ave bee. male
during the year past, to form combina-
ton among the farmers, for tho purpose
Of introducing sheep into this county, and
the largo number of dogs has been on.
! of the greatest obstacles in the way
Judge FOSTER, (who has, we believe, the
only flock Of sheep iii this town. has lost
this season, nearly forty dollars worth of
sheep by dogs, and still he says his sheep
are the most profitable property he has.
! But if the law had no other object than
to reduce the number of hungry, useless
dogs, that Of itself would be sufficient
| justification of it.
The latter portion of the article in the
Democrat, Is entirely false, as the follow
ne extracts rom the law will show.
SEC. The owner of any sheep or lambs suf-
ferine loss by reason of worrying. manning or
! killing thereof by dogs, may present, within
thi,tv DAYS after such loss shall come to his
-
city. the president or trustees of any incorpor-
ated village, or supervisors OF the town whore;
in the damages is done, proof thereof and
there-unon the said officers shall draw an or
Jer !, favor of the owner of said sheep or
Lambs mon the treasurer of said city. incor-
,,ar,tea II lace or 10 vn, for the amount OF such
Us The,treasurer shall register all such or
- =, fnll at the time of their presentation,
and shall annually. on the first Tuesday in
hnr;l nav all such orders in full, if the gross
np,n nt rsceiyed by said city. incorl Grated
~,lage or town. under the provisions OF this
W. ~, to such date after deducting all sums
n rs auslv paid cut under ssch provisions. If
srr,t;ic;emt therefor; otherwise the treasurer
shall divide said amount, after deducting as
Aforesaid. ,rerafa among said orders and in
full discharge thei cot.
SEc6. Upon dra wing an older, as is pro-
vided in the foregoing section. the city. incor-
corated village or t,wn. may recover against
the keeper or owner of any dog concerned in
doing the damages, the full amount of the
damages done.
| But this TRADE Of the Democrat 10 eau