New-York tribune., 1896-11-15
THE CITY DOGS ENENIES.
COLONEL WARING AND THE BOARD OF
HEALTH NOW ARRAYED AGAINST HIM.

A correspondent wrote last week 10 The Tribune
complaining Of the unusual activity of the dog
catcher in running off with pet dogs The COM
piaihant goes on TO make the assertion that the
dog-catcher delights In capturing high-bred ami
mals. while the tramp and mongrel dogs the
waits and outcasts Of dogdom as II were are left
to roam the streets 1t was pointed out that the
street DOG was more subject TO madness and fits.
The Tribune has had several articles on the dog
subject of late. and 1t is only necessary TO state
here that dog-catching is at present under the
authority of the Society the Prevention OF Cru
city TO Animals. which Is doing all IN it's power 10
improve the system. and has already attained
hl9n standard. AS for madress and fits II is to)
well known that the pet dog. which is overfed and
under-eXercised is the 10 look out for
In the terrible hot weather OF last August It was
the pet dog who suffered from fts-not the under
fed half-starved mongrel. 1t must be remembered
that When dog has fit he is not mad nor is his
bite dangerous. There are few of genuine
madness among dogs. and when 1t occurs there
are none Of the symptoms commonly ascribed TO
that condition. 1t is a wonder that there are not
more mad dogs when II is taken into consideration
that every time dog has fit and acts unnatu-
rally he is bounded by bowling mob Of men.
women and children yelling Mad dog" at the
top Of their lungs Such a thing would be almost
sufficient 10 lead a human being 10 believe that he
must be out OF his senses
Probably no ever created a greater sensa-
ton among dog-owners than did Colonel Warlng
when he wrote his famous letter last February 10
Mayor Strong the subject In this letter
Colonel Waring said that while he was a friend OF
the dog. he dill not believe that tho city was the
place for him TO be kept in. He suggested tha. the
dogs of New-York created end Of nuisance on
tho streets and sidewalks. and that the Board OF
Aldermen should take some action restricting their
presence In the city. Colonel Waring thought that
1t would be a good idea TO have all the owners Of
dogs required by ordinance TO lead them when out
he OF he
pointed out in this widely read letter that there
was time In the history Of the city when hors
were wont to wallow In the streets and IL was af-
hrmed that the presence Of dogs was not much
more preferable than hogs.
This letter by Colonel Waring created perfect
furore. The newspapers took up the subject and 1t
was thoroughly discussed In the editorial pages
Even the country papers took 1t up. advancing
every conceivable idea on the question. Colonel
Waring deluged with letters from those ir IA
vor of the dog, those who were the enemies OF the
dog and those who occupied the middle ground. 1t
was even hnted that a bill had been prepared 10
Introduce in the Legislature which was intended to
limit the dog to country districts. This was after
ward denied.
II is a fact however that the subject is again be-
Ing aeitated for a resolution was this week offered
In the Board Of Health TO complaints received
ance Created by dogs in the streets. also as to tho
danger to life and health from the bite of dogs. and
necessary to abate the alleged nuisance.
Therefore, 1t was resolved that the Sanitary Com
this subject. and to report whether In It's opinion
the unceanlness Of the sidewalks and streets
caused by dogs and the danger TO the public from
biting dogs is Of sufficient importance 10 require
the action of this Board and the adoption of an
ordinance requiring that dogs be kept upon and
within the promises of their owners. and not be al
lowed to run at large upon the nnolic streets cts ana
a permit from this Department. II Is underst ood
that this resolution has been passed Tor the pur-
pose of inviting public discussion.
Following this comes the meeting OF the American
Dog Protective Association. which was held during
the week for the purpose OF protesting against the
suggestions made by Colonel Waring in his recent
letter TO William j. Fryer. secretary OF the Build
ing Department, that no dogs should be allowed 10
be kept In tenement houses, and proposing that a
bill be introduced in the Legislature prohibiting the
practice The association Is composed largely or
women, all of whom own pet dogs, ana all or WhoTn
are determined that steps must be taken 10 protect
them AT this meeting the dog was eulogized at
length. and Colonel Waring also came In for MS
share Of attention. committee was appointed
to oppose any action that might be made In any any
ouarter relating TO the banishmcnt or the dog from
hose places which under existing rules he Is per-
mitted to occupy. The fight is on.