The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1897-02-06
THE HUMANE SOCIETIES AND THE
LEGISLATURE.

1t is to be hoped legislators will
promptly pass into law Senate bill 476.
identical with Assembly bill 499. The
Acts relate to the humane treatment
of dumb animals and is amendatory
of the law under which the present an
imals friends societies have their eN-
istence. The amendments We're sug-
gested by the late Humane Society
State Convention. and are the result
of the years of experience Of the socie-
ties now incorporated under the Act Of
1874. These amendments are few, but
they are important.
Heretofore the societies have hest
tinted to suggest amendments to these
laws. but now find them absolutely
necessary in order to give existing laws
AGAINST cruelty the intended effect. The
amendments proposed are as follows;
Recurring" peace officers to make ar
rests for cruelty-at present they are
empowered" only, and in many cases
do not act. but turn all such work over
to these voluntary societies. This, it
is claimed. should be corrected, and
the practice Of a regular police officer
running about to hunt up a Humane
Society officer TO interfere to prevent
cruelty or arrest for violation of the
law. instead of himself acting as in
duty bound, be brought to an end.
Serond-Under the Act of 1914 Dis
srict Courts were named TO pass upon
the appointnent of Humane Society
officers. It is desirable to substitute
the words Superior Courts" 10 remove
all doubt as to validity Of appoint
ments. Third-It is now against law to
overdrfve or overwork a horse; the So
cietfes ask that the word or override
be inserted. Fourth-The present law
gives to the societies the fines imposed
upon offenders against the humane
laws. to be used in prosecuting the
work Of the societies and in paying tht
expenses of their special officers. i
is asked that the words and forfeit
ures" be added.
Fifth-Wherc a Humane officer take:
Charge Of an abandoned and suffering
animal needing care and treatment. i
Is desired that the society he repre-
sents may have a lien upon the ANNA
for the necessary cost of its care. A
the law now stands. such animal can
not be rescued until the owner ha!
had three hours notice to relieve 1t
when, If he neglects or refuses the HUI
name officer may act. 1t is desired t
strike out this three hour proviso, a
In itself temporizing with cruelty. Thi
Will authorize the Humane officer to "a
at once and require the suffering of a.
animal to be relieved.
The same section it is desired to s
amend that it will be lawful for HI.
name or other officer to take a
ola. diseased and suffering ami
NAL, even Il it is tied up, an
lave it cared for, notify the owne
and return it 10 him when prop
er to do So At.present it is held tha
an old. manned and diseased ANNA
however much it IS suffering, canno
be taken if it is tied to a post. fenc
or manager. Likewise the law as
stands, refers also to old and disease
ard suffering animals abandoned upo
the public highway, but it Is propose
TO so amend as TO include animals i
an Enclosure, or a street or lane Of
~ ~ tpHxYr
Sixth-The societies desire the doci
ing of horses to be included In the Ct
lenses enumerated in the statute. an
in this request they are Joined by a
true horsemen and lovers Of fine stoc
i'm the country Seventh-It is aske
that a new section be added to the la
recurring owners of animals which b
reason of their physical condition al
unfit for use, and where there Is L
reasonable probability that the antm'
viii ever be restored to fitness. TO d'
prive them of life within twelve hour