New-York tribune., 1899-07-27
A HUMANI1'ARIAN'S PROTEST.
MRS. BOLTON DECLARES THE DOG LICENSE
LAW INHI1MAN

LAW INHUMAN.
Mrs. Sarah X. Bolton OF Cleveland Ohio who is
increasingly working for the protection of dumb
animals. makes a protest against the law
pelng the licensing of dogs.
Every day in our cities" she says. there are
scenes which would not be tolerated II wit
messed them. Dogs. loved and petted by many a
child, noble creatures who would die to protect
their owners, are terrified by having a net thrown
them, a lasso, and dragged along the street
thrown by dog catchers into wagons, hurried off to
pounds and shelters and killed by gas poison
drowning.
"Of course one OF the chief reasons adduced for
license IS a revenue for the city the Humane So
ciety. In 1895 the Cleveland Humane Society. need
ing money tried to obtain through the Legislature
dog license law. but was not successful One Of
the most prominent judges in the city wrote me-
1 have been pretty well informed that the dog
! license law Will not pass the Legislature &C
count Of the question OF its constitutonalty 1
am glad TO think that the poor dogs and the poor
people who take comfort in them shielded by
the great Constitution Of the State Of Ohio
] do not believe in the bill at all II is inhuman
and the idea OF a humane society entering upon
such slaughter of the innocents' is repugnant
TO the very purpose OF the society itself. Our
Humane Society is of the best institutions in
the city but il would TO that funds ought
to be raised in other way than through a
law which would result in destroying thousands
faithful. devoted friends TO mankind.
Whenever a tax is imposed. dogs will be
turned upon the street. because many owners
not or will not pay the tax. When the license
reaches the exorbitant of 81 Is for female dogs
as in Hartford Conn. or s. as in Boston, many
persons who would gladly keep dog give
stray animal a home find it wellngh impossible
10 do
In New-York City. where the Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty TO Animals collects the
license money and kills the unlicensed dogs the
increase of deaths is startling from the rigid en-
forcement of the law. In 1855 5000 dogs and
cats killed by the Society for the Prevention
OF Cruelty Animals in 1896 20 and in 1895
over sl,5GO about four times many when the
city had charge of the license and killing. New
more than ten times as many small animals; New
York City, six times as large Boston. with 300
600 population kills fortyfve times as many small
animals. Boston kills 200 unlicensed dogs during
the three summer months; New-York City kills
cats and dogs the whole year through
person can realize s me ply anG the horror orr & Of
and the poor creatures In the pens not for the
most part homeless or disabled or past recovery
diseased, but unlicensed settlers, fox terriers,
black and tans, who look up 70 you and whine
piteously, asking for release from their prison
What shall we do with our surplus animals?
is the oft repeated Qcestion. Repeal the license
laws let the poor keep the pets and we shall have
few surplus animals. Every family is better for
possible repeal license laws let the license fees
be given. not to city humane officials. or TO
public schools to teach children kindness TO ami
mails or public Libraries TO spread knowledge but
to build homes or find homes for unlicensed ami
mails.
For the really homeless dogs and cats let US do
our personal share In caring for them and let
homes be provided. for others OF Gods helpless
creatures Perhaps our Legislatures will some
time grant money 10 humane societies. as they do
10 schools and Libraries, for the elevation OF the
people. Helpless children. and helpless animals as
well are in large sense, the wards OF the State.
and anything TO better their condition should re-
ceiye the sympathy and aid OF the state;
Let the kennel clubs lovers Of dogs obtain
laws through each State Legislature making the
dog property so that nobody has the right Kill
him any more than mans horse or his COW. and
then test the license laws In the courts. The ques-
tlOn OF revenue from dependent creatures who
look TO US for safety and protection. and killing
them by the tens OF thousands because the money
is not paid, is unworthy Christian people Each
day the dreadful work goes While we walk In
the sunshine and enjoy perchance homes Of luxury,
tbe dog catchers, with their wagons. are carrying
The terrified and devoted friends Of man 20 pounds
or shelters and 10 death. II a city OF 10000 popu-
lation does not need and does not have license,
with it's ptful results let other cities even larger
ones try this humane policy"