Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-11-04
AN INTERVIEW WITH DR.. JUD. WOOD
He Discusses tho Dog Question Freely and
Makes Some Timely Suggestions.

Makes Some Timely SugGoslOuss
While the officers Of the Society for the
the Prevention Of Cruelty to Animals have
abandoned the idea of prosecuting Capt.
tol-PoIIceman Eustice. who injured a
stray dog which he caught chasing
squirrel, they purpose taking such steps
as will prevent a repetition OF the occur
renee, and DR.. Wood proposes to have a
full talk with Major Gaines. Superintend-
ent Of Grounds and Buildings. with re-
ference to the future policy OK the Office
In this particular.
II have no doubt" DR.. Wood said to
a Dispatch reporter yesterday, that the
Capitol police have been very much an
noyed by stray dogs In the Capitol
Grounds pursuing and killing the pet
squirrels who have their horne there.
1T is further to be said in defence. or
at least In paluation OF the Po-
licemans action. that the State
law on the subject. to which
my attention was called by Mr.. Guigon.
counsel for the society, may have been
construed by Mr. Eustice into authority
for his action. As matter Of fact how
ever, the law provides In section OF the
act Of February q. 1890. that any dog
found on the Capitol Square without Its
owner, may be driven beyond the limits
of the said square. and. II necessary.
dubbed or killed
MUST NOT BE CRUEL.
1T cannot be supposed that this law
intended to authorize the Capitol police
men to throw rocks at and wound, mutt
late, or kill any dog found within tho
place In any manner that the guard might
choose to adopt. I should say that the
plain purpose Of the law was to authorize
the officers to drive out trespassing dogs.
and II 1t should become necessary by
reason of the viciousness or persistence
OF the dog. to kill him In the most pain
less way.
when this act was passed." continued
Dr. Wood, there was at least some pro-
lection to the Capitol Grounds in the
gates at various points. but now that
they have been removed 1t would seem
that even the friendliest CANNES should
not be too harshly dealt with for ac-
ceptins the invitation held out to them
by these hospitabls openings. It is quite
possible that II this policy continues to
be pursued some valuable and beloved
dog, the property Of some prominent
citizen, may meet with a like mishap.
and in such an event It Is quite possible
that the validity of the law would be
promptly tested in the courts"
Does the society propose to institute
prosecution against Mr.. Eustice or Major
Gaines. the superintendent, for issuing
these instructionsY' asked the reporter.
mot as at present advised" replied DR..
Wood, Chiefly because ! am convinced
that Major Gaines IL O humane gentle
man, who will give the society all the aid
In his power to prevent needless cruelty
to our dumb friends. who can scarcely
be blamed for following their natural
instincts to chase and capture what they
consider their natural prey. Besides.
realize what an insufferable nuisance IL
the multitude Of worthless ours which
fill the streets Of Richmond and make
night hideous. Though fully determined
to prevent cruelty to animals as far as
the facts and law will justify. yet the
society is not insensible to the grievous
evil from which our citizens are now
suffering"
PROTECT THE CITIZENS
"Have you any suggestion to make
looking to lessening this evil7"
"Unquestionably." replied the genial
President: "a brief search Of the records
will show that the city Of Richmond has
collected within the last ten years con-
siderably upwards Of $4,000 taxes upon
dogs In this city. and the most careful
search Of those same records will fail to
BLOW WueTS ono Siuktc Ccut Oh t08S LdIB6
sum has been expended for the pgotction
Of the citizens from the deproda&tons
and nuisance Of these hordss Of owner
less dogs which infest our streets. We
have frequent complaints from most
humane and worthy citizens Of the in
Jury done to their horses. their children,
and themselves by these vicious canine
tramps running at large.
New York and other prosperous and
advanced municipalities have turned the
whole matter of taxation and DISPOSE
ton Of owneriess dogs over to the Society
for the Prevention Of Cruelty to AMI
mails. In these cities to which have re-
ferred the tax on these animals II paid
over directly to the society. which issues
q certificate In the form Of Z license.
and they are authorized ana required. IN
consideration Of this income, to provide
dog-catche7, who. In the Quietest and
most humane and painless way, catch and
kill all worthless ours. whose life In Z
misery to themselves and q nuisance TO
the public. OF course this law provides
al the necessary restrictions and pro-
visions for the redemption Of the dogs
70 caught, and. In fact. the law = sur
rounded b. Al proper safeguards"