Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-05-21
xy,,rEr.,,Ey AND DOGS.

tGFldN OF the AJHkSt VI bfNs NhffT -
city where dogs are as numerous and as
pestilential as they are In Richmond, has
our sympathy. But II he would really
serve himself and his fellow-wheelmen he
would better lead in a movement to Sc
cure from the City Council legislation
such as will reduce the number OF ours
that now infest this city.
II the statistics gathered on the subject
by the late Chief OF Police. our beloved
friend. John Poe. hold good 70 this day.
there are now in Richmond about 1000
dogs. OF these we op!ne that about 50
or 90 per cent. might be safely dispensed
with. The rest might be made unob-
noxlous 20 the public II kept upon the
premises OF their masters and killed
should they develop into chronic dis
turbers OF the peace by bowling o nights.
We rejoice that the wheelmen have
become a power in this land. With their
help we hope in time TO secure municipal
legislation conceding the point that no
man has a right to keep a dog in this
city when that dog makes itself a null
sance 10 it's owners neighbors.
our Board Of Police Commissioners has
submitted TO the City Council sensible
ordinance for the establishment Of a dog
pound. which. while by no means as
stringent as are some ordinances In force
in other cities OF this country, would be
a great step in improving existing condi-
tions her. But our City Council IS hesi-
tating about adopting the boards recon-
mendations, and we can well guess why.
The Council would like TO know that in
passing the dog-pound ordinance, It
would be backed up by public opinion,
and 1t would like to know. also. where
the money is to come from to support the
dog-catchers and pound.
As to the first point, whoelmen and
others who are of the same mind in this
matter might easily give the Council the
announcement that II needs by passing
resolutions on the subject and by appoint
ing committees to appear before the Coun-
ci! and argue the question. There are
hundreds Of persons here who have been
disturbed at night for years by their
neighbors' bowling dogs, who would
gladly Join their voices to the wheel
mems IN petitionlng the Council for the
establishment Of the pound
As TO the financial question: We find
among the wheelmen OF this city largo
number versed in the intricacies of ma
tlonal and international finance. To these
the problem which confronts the Council
in this instance would no doubt be easy
of solution. 1t might be that they could
find a way TO make the pound self-sus-
tanning almost.
Virgnians have long been victims OF
their dogs. To-day there would be thou
sands of sheep in this state whore there
are hundreds only ST It were not for the
fact that the dog, or rather the dogs
master. is 80 very influential IN politics.
There are a few counties which have
good special dog laws, and in these sheep
husbandry fourishes. And from time to
time the list Of the counties having spe-
cial laws is enlarged. but the progress we
are making is slow
But II is not only In the country that
the dog Is influential lie is influential
| i'm the cities-in Richmond particularly
| Some years ago, being moved thereto
! by the complaints Of citizens who feared
an epidemic Of hydrophobia, the police
undertook TO enforce an ordinance pro
/ hibitlng the appearance OF unmuzzlet
! dogs upon the streets. But the City Coun
ell Immediately took the matter up and
| repealed the ordinance. And 80 1t VII
ever be. unless there are active agencies
AZ work TO back UP the Council in any
! efforts that II may make in favor Of re-
! ducng the number of dogs now allowec
TO run at large in this city.
To effect the purpose I'm view, our wheel
men ought 70 organize and take The
subject up. Then the men and womeI
whose sumbers are frequently disturbed
| by ncighbors dogs bowling all night shoul
come to the assistance Of the wheelmen
and the Council would be impressed will
the fact that all OF the political influence
is not on the side Of the dogs. When sue
| an impression is conveyed TO the Council
the battle will be more than half won
The inherent councilmanic common sens
will then, no doubt. do the rest Of tn
work.