The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1891-12-26
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.
How 1t Is Defined by the Law Now
in Force.
Points That the People should Under
stand, Now That the Humane
Society Means Business.

In response to several inquiries made
of the RECORD UNION since the inaugu-
ration of the Humane Society as to what
law, we present the following extracts
from the Act of March 20, 1874:
Section 6. Whoever overdrives, overIoads.
drives when overloaded, overworkS. tortures
torments, deprives Of necessary sustenance,
cruelty beats, mutilates, or cruelty kills, or
causes, or procures to be so overdriven, over
loaded, driven when overloaded oVerworked,
tortured, toImented, deprived of necessary
sustenance, cruelty beaten, mutilated or
cruelty killed any ANIMAL and whoever. hav-
ing the charge or custody of any animal,
either as owner or otherwise, intiicts unnec-
esSary cruelty upon the same, or fails to pro-
vide the same with proper food, drink shelter,
or protection from the weather or who cru
ely drives the same when unfit for labor
shall, upon conviction, lie ueemed guilty of a
miSdemeanOr-
SCISSOR Of any old, manned, or diseased horse.
mule, cow, or other domestic animal, who
shall permit the same to go loose in any lane,
street, square, or lot, OF any city or township,
without proper care and attention, for more
! than three hours after knowledge thereof
shall, on conviction, be deemed guilty of q
! misdemeanOr; pTOCided, that this shall not
! apply to such owner keeping any old or dis
eaSed animal belonging to him on his own
! premises with proper care. Every sick, dis
abled infirm, or crippled horse, OK, mule COW,
! or o.her domestic animal, which shall be
! abandoned on the public highway, or in any
! open space in any city or township, may ii
after due search by peace officer, or officer OF
said society, no owner can be found therefor,
| be killed by such officer; and it shall be the
! duty of all peace and police officers to cause
| the same to be Killed on lntOl nation of such
abandonment.
The same Act provides in brief for:
Section l. incorporation of one society
in each county to prevent cruelty to
animals.
| Section 2. 1t may make its own bylaws
and rules; provide for district and local
officers; means to attain the ends of the
| society, and rules to govern its members,
| officers and agents.
Section 8. For the election Of its of
! ficers.
Section 4. Empowers all peace officers
| to make arrests for violation of the law.
Section 5. The society may name such
of its members as the Superior Court APP
! proves, to be sworn in as officers; furnish
| them with badge; resistance to such
as in case Of Sheriffs, Co stables and
| police officers.
Section7. Defines what is cruel carriage
or transportation of domestic animals: for
their seizure, together with the team,
vehicle or cart, and for recovery OF cost
of keeping such animals safely.
Section 8. Makes bull, bear, dog and
cock fighting for amusement or gain
| cruelty to animals.
Section 9. Furnishes the trainers of such
animals, and all witnesses of such exhi-
| billions, present for gain or amusement.
! Section 10. Provides for magisterial in
| QUESTION on information TO prevent
offenses, and bring to justice offenders or
those preparing to violate the law.
Section II. Provides that an officer
without warrant may enter place and
arrest where any animal fighting is GO
| ing on for gain or amusement.
Section II. Provides for proper water
ing and feeding of impounded animals,
and authorizes erecting ola pound to feed
and water the animals.
| Section II. Provides that all fines levied
| by courts for cruelty shall go to the soci-
ETY. to aid its benevolent work.
Section 10. Provides that any member
of the society may prosecute for violation
! of the law in the name of The People OF
! the State of California.
Section Is. Exempts the game laws
| from operation of the Act; also the killino
of venomous reptiles and of animals foI
| food, and those dangerous TO life. limb OF
| property, and scientific operations on
animals for the benefit of science when
conducted by the faculty of a regular
medical college or university.