Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1875-12-16
Endurance versus Welfare of Animals.

Every student of agricultural history is
probably aware that there have existed in
all ages two widely different methods of
caring for domesticated animals. One Is
based upon the theory that animals have
no rights which man is bound to respect,
and that the limits of physical endurance
may be sought with as much propriety,
and the act be as sinless, as that Of seek
ing their greatest comfort. The other sys-
TEN is the exact reverse of this. From
whence came these opposing methods OF
treating dumb brutes it is not our province
at this time to inquire; but the readiness
with which certain classes OF human
beings have ever submitted to physical
torture for some presumed future good
may suffice to show that the origin OF
either system is not an unfathomable mys-
terry.
1t is enough, however, for us to know
that there are men in this age, having ami
mails in their care, who seek more persist
emily to discover how much torture a
creature will endure and live than to learn
even its natural wants, leaving out OF
sight the question Of mere physical COM
fort. 1t would be but reasonable to sup
pose that a man who has had the benefit
of warm clothing, comfortable house
and plenty of good food TALL of which are
unnatural, being wholly artificial addi-
tions), might think how acceptable some
of these things would be to his animals
during cold stormy weather. 1t is true
that our domestcatei animals, through
long exposure, have become able to with
stand the seasons differences, but whether
they are better for it, or man is to be ex-
oneraied for permitting their sufierings, is
quite another question.
We are not DESTROYS of advocating u
pampering, facilitating, hot house culture
among domesticated animals, for there is
such thing as going to extremes in this
direction: but instances OF this kind ere
SO rare that they may be put down as eX-
ceptional. There exists, however, among
a large class OF our farmers, an idea that
protection from cold storms and plenty of
rich, nutritious food tend TO make their
animals tender and are actually deoilitat-
ing.
These men will leave their colts, calves
and other Young stock out in the barn
yard, or perhaps in woodland pasture, dur
ing the winter months, holding TO the er-
rOneous idea that such exposure tends TO
tougher them: and II their hair turns the
wrong way before spring, and their ribs
stand out like hoops on barrel, they say
ii is a good sign OF the toughening process.
These abuses are perpetrated To an alarm
ing extent, even in the most Northern
States. while in the Middle and Southern
il is even worse; for in mild climates less
care Is bestowed upon animals than in
cold; hence an equal If not greater amount
OF suffering. The loss of animals IN pro-
portion to the number kept, As well As their
appearance when in health, Is all the evi.
dence required TO show the importance OF
better care. even in mild ATTITUDES.
Again, the same class OF men who claim
that shelter, with an abundance OF rich,
nutritious food, is not Necessary nor con
ducive to health, will tell Ls that salt for
stock is but foolish way Of indulglng an
acqui red taste, and that animals will do
lust as well without il. Some men are so
much in earnest over their theories IN re
gard to such matters that they will expert
ment upon thems elves in order Ito see how
much physical nature will withstand. We
conclude that Mr. stephen Young, Of
Iowa, who has lately written us on this