Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-12-13

WORK OF S. P. G. A.
REPORTS OF OFFICERS sUDMIT-
TED AT ANNUAL MEETING.
NEARLY THOUSAND CASES REPORTED.
The Field of Usefulness broadening
and the Revenues Utterly made
quate--somc Cases Showing E1-
tremc Brutality.

The reports submitted by the officers OF
the Richmond Society for the Prevention
Of Cruelty TO Animals at the fourth
annual meeting, held Friday night, show
that those engaged In this humane work
have been vigilant and that much has
been done TO prevent cruel treatment OF
the defenceless classes. President Jud 3.
Woods report. says:
1t has been observed since our organl-
cation that the general condition OF ami
mails in our city has steadily improved
and a most healthful influence has gone
out into the surrounding country in their
behalf. Prosecution for cruelty is not
the main feature Of the societys work,
for while it seeks to punish by fine and
imprisonment in Jail all wilful NAL
treatment Of animals, yet by far the
larger number Of cases are corrected by
warning and admonition.
You will see from the secretary's report
that the number Of cases reported is so,
and the number of animals involved 1850.
Full particulars in all cases are recorded
in the books of the society.
ITS REVENUES INADEQUATE.
The treasurer reports that the receipts
from membership fees during. the year
were $3.50; from contributions. SOL. Total
income, 1861, which amount is entirely
inadequate for the society's needs. A
very large percentage of these receipts
has been contributed by the officers.
which should not be expected OF them, as
their work is done absolutely without
III.
agent, who is paid modest salary for his
entire time.
The society desires to extend its field
OF usefulness, and ought to have Tor
the coming year not less than $500. 1t
is hoped that the Finance Committee
will formulate plans by which this
amount can be raised from the humane
people of Richmond.
/ am of opinion that IL would be well
TO change our charter, so as 10 make
OF our organization a State society. This
would give us power TO appoint agents
In the counties, who would see that the
law is enforced for the protection Of ami
mails. In many populous centres local
societies have been formed. but in less
wealthy districts they cannot be ade-
quately supported. and hence there is
great opportunity in such places for
good work under the auspices of cen
tral body.
MULTITUDE OF WORTHLESS DOGS.
The great multitude of worthless dogs
I'm the city is a source of constant dan
ger to the people They attack, and
often bite both horses and persons, es-
pecially bicycle riders. They annoy the
sick, and in spring and summer roam
the streets in droves. 10 the disgust o.
the citizens. OK the 2Sj dogs humanely
destroyed last year by our society. many
were suffering from mango eczema, and
black tongue.
The city in the last ten years has col
lectcd over 5000 from It's icense-taX
on dogs, and should have Il dog-pound
10 be supported by this tax. which is
now about $3.50 a year This sum goes
into the Treasury and both people and
dogs suffer II Is estimated that there
are at least 1900 Ia the city. and not
over $3.50 are licensed. = would recon-
mend that our society make an offer TO
the city TO inpound and destroy these
unlicensed dogs. Most OF them have no
homes. and are misery TO themselves
and "A menace to the citizens. 1t would
be a mercy To the dogs ard blessing TO
the people for them to be panlessly de-
stroycd.
CANNOT DO BOTH WELL
At the last session Of the Legislature