The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1895-12-22
CARE OF DUMB ANIMALS
sPLEXDfD SHOWING OF THE S.P.C c.
A.DURfx0 LAST YEAR.
Reports Of President Wood and Secretary
Owens show the Organization to be In
Fine Condition The Oficers.

III HHt conciuon ana mas cone great
good In this community. and the noble
band Of men and women VINO compose
the society are due unstinted praise for
tho excellent work they have accom-
piished. The Society 10 now in the fourth
year OF It's existence. and its grow tn our
ing this tine has been steady ana rapid
and OF a most healthful nature. Its in
nucrce has extended TO many parts Of
tho State. but Richmond has rcapcd tho
greater portion OF its good work.
The following report of the President is
paper containing valuable informa-
ton and should be read with interest BY
every one who feels an interest IN the
welfare OF dumb creatures. DR.. Wood
says:
REPORT OF PRESIDENT WOOD
1T must be borne in mind that prose-
ccticn for cruelty Is not the main fea-
turc of the Societys work. our mis-
sion has been 10 protect and educate. not
prosecute. and with these ends In view
by far the largest number OF cases OF
abuse ana matreatment OF animals
were Disposed Of by warning the Of
tenders against a repetition. We sus-
pend disabled animals from work alle-
viate the sufferings OF others accident
ally injured or taken sick I'm the streets,
and humanely dispose OF those nurt or
diseased beyond recovery.
Ii has been noticed since our organiza-
tcn that the condition of animals In the
city has steadily improved, and a most
heslthful influence has gone out into the
surrounding country in their behalf, and
the result is that animals are much more
Kindly treated, better sheltered, and fed
than ever in tie past Prior TO the or
gaihzation of our society 1t was an ex-
ctption to find "a horse covered with
blanket I'm cold or inclement weather, or
10 find any ore to interpose in his behalf
when cruelty treated. Blankets and rub
ber protectors were comparatively UNI
used Now you can find them In tho
stores so well and chcaply made that no
man who has regard FOR his beast is
found without them.
a man OF kindness 10 HIS beast is kind,
But brutal actions show a brutal mind
Remember: lie. who made thee. made the
brute.
Who gave thee speech and reason, form
cd him mute.
He can't complain. but Gods all-seeing
eye
Beholds thy cruelty end hears his cry.
lie VAS designed thy servant, not thy
drudge.
Remember: His Creator is thy Judge"
III ideas of humanity and quick recog-
riion OF the rights of all Gods creatures
hearts of all, then there would be no
need of societies such as ours. Cnfor-
tunately such is not the case, for we see
IN the streets OF our city the doleful pro-
cession of overworked and underfed ami
mails brutal and reckless drivers and the
ever-falling whip. God gave dominion
over other creatures with commands 10
be Just, merciful and kind, and on no
other terms has man any right TO their
toll or service.
Life implies rights All creatures be-
long to God. and disregard OF their rights
Is an offence to Him. True Christianity
recognizes this fact and the spirit of
cruelty is the deadliest enemy to "a high
civilization. The best and most lasting
remedy for all cruelty is humane edu-
cation. Begin with the children In our
homes and schools. Whether man be
heartless or humane largely depends on
the lessons Of his early childhood.
WORK OF THE SOCIETY.
IL should be our aim to distribute hu-
name literature and establish Bands of
Mercy" In all the schools of the city,
white and black. Tho object o. these
bands will be TO encourage In every posi-
bic way brave. generous. and merciful
deeds; to protect overwhelming human
beng as well as the speeches. ones of
the lower orders. The only pledge be-
ing IL will Try TO be kind to all harmless
creatures and try TO protect them from
cruel usage"
During tie year just closed the society
has been called upon TO interpose its
moral and corrective force in large
number of cases and is now recognized
by our citizens as an active, prudent,
and earnest factor In elevating man and
In the protection of dumb creatures.
You viii see frcm the Secretarys re-
port that tire rJmber of cases reported
was 49,, number or animals involved,
about 1900 The full particulars of all
cases are recorded in tho books of the
society, so that the facts of every case
Of cruelty, and every legal opinion of ju-
ticial decision connected Herewith, can
be found at moments notice, which Is
very valuable in the daily transactions
of tho society.
SO many small animals have 10 be de-
stroyed annually by the agent that we
have adopted and put In place zinc
lined box recommended TO us by Mr..
Jno. +. Haines, President Of the Amer
lean Society for the Prevention OF Cruel
~ to Animals. with headquarters in New
York. for this purpose. The gas from the
city main is turned In and in about
one minute the animal Is dead, without
a struggle. noise. or other evidence but
that II was a painless death. Not IN
frequently We are called upon TO dispose
bf household pets. and WORKOUT. diseased
and dangerous animals. OF course THIS
Il done without charge.
ANOTHER AGENT NEEDED.
We have only one agent on the street
when we could probably employ two.
II the Police Board would assign one
officer TO give his whole time 10 the
prevention OF cruelty 10 children and an
finals and the taking up OF unlicensed
dogs that roam our streets, II would he
a good work The police force have
heartily co-opera;ed with as, and during
the year have accomplished great good
In checking exhibitions OF open cruelty.
i would suggest that we offer gold
medal TO the policeman who at the close
of the year should be able TO show the
best record OF having prevented or
stopped cruelty to animals-the Chief 70
decide.
Owing TO the lack OF means OF escape
from burning buildings many horses
have been suffocated or burned 10 death
during the past year. II Is 10 be hoped
that In the future owners OF stables VIII
make the exits therefrom ample and
easy.
Much has been done by us to induce
,thsrs 10 have better ventilation by siat
doors. etc, for the comfort OF their ami
halls In summer ! would recommend
that durir the year we have few
lectures for the benefit of drivers. The
Sesirability OF such lectures must be evi-
r.. "a evevv one who has noticed the