The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-30

on Neune sday by Senator GaIilnseI. anu
which was agreed to by the Senate pro-
vidng for an investigation as TO the neces-
suy OF further continuing the -muzziing
OF dogs in The District. Opportunities Will
be given for argument both for and against
the repeal OF the order requiring dogs to
be muzzled. and the committee will re
port 10 the Senate the alleged reasons for
the order. upon what ground it is being
kept in force, and their opinion as to the
necessity for its further continuance.
Senator Gallinger said last night that he
had for some time contemplated securing
an investigation of this matter, and though
he had never been asked TO do so his per-
sonal interest in it had prompted him to
introduce a resolution 10 that effect. He
said that he had never attended any of
the meetings that have been held for the
purpose Of protesting against the muz-
zling order, but had read the discussions
of it that have appeared in the papers,
and they have only strengthened his orig
inal belief that the order is unwarranted,
unnecessary. and entirely without reason
Opposed 10 NuzzIcs.
y am opposed to the muzzling of dogs.
said senator Gallinger. mot only from a
humanitarian but from a medical stand
point One OF the arguments in its favor
has been that it will prevent dogs having
l,v7rophobia from communicating the dis
ease 10 other animals or TO persons by DIT
ing them Now, the truth OF the matter
is that hydrophobia is disease that II It
now exists at all is exceedingly rare. In
a medical experience of over thirty years
have never seen single case, and have
heard several Of the best known physic- ans
N the country make the same statemen nj.
Ny opinion is that the muZzling Of Digs
prevents them from breathing anu pei
spring in a natural manner, and that II
doue during warm weather il might have
the very effect that it is designed TO pre-
vent. This view is shared by the majority
OF physicians with whom ! have talked. SO
that from a medical standpoint alone there
seems to be sufficient reason for reyoking
the order requiring the carrying out OF
harmful practice In addition to this. the
humanitarian view OF the question appeals
70 me.and if. as / believe, no good is &C
complished by putting muzzles on dogs.
there is certainly no excuse for suhjecting
them reedlessly TO discomfort, and. under
some conditions. 10 absolute pain.
Senator Calliuger said that il is the in
tention OF the committee TO give the sun
ject thorough investigation. and TO make
q report TO the Senate embodying the infor-
nation thus obtained and detaiIing tie
method by which an opinion was arrived
at In reply to question as TO who would
be asked 10 appear before the committee
TO explain their views on the subject, he
said that several OF the prominent physi-
clans OF the District would be asked 10 ap-
pear at the hearings, aud that while every
opportunity would be given to these VINO
secured the issuance OF the order and those
s+ I'M
port, considerable amount of time would
be devoted to hearing general discussion
OF the subject from medical standpoint.
The humanitarian view Will, he said, be
presented by number Of those interes ted,
though that will naturally have less
weight han statements as TO the necessity
for mlzzles and their beneficial or harmful
effects Il want TO repeat. Senator Gal
linger said enphatically, that in my
opinion the muzzling order is absolutely
needless. nonsensieal. and unTarrauted."
Becinninr al the End
The belief is now general among dog
owners and those interested in the humane
treatment of the animals, that the begin
ming OF the end of the dog muzzling ques-
lion was reached when the Senate adopted
Mr. Gallinger's resolution. When a proc
lamation was issued three months ago.
compelling owners to strap together the
jaws OF their dogs, there was much con-
troversy as to the necessity OF the en-
forcement OF the law As the weeks passed
by the indignation grew. Anti-muzzle So
cieties were formed The local Humane
Society Joined in the movement and last
week representatives of it met to prepare
petitions TO be circulated throughout the
city asking for a revocation OF the order
Dog owners, realizing that it would be
next TO impossible TO keep their dogs muZ-
zled during the summer months signed
these petitions rapidly. glad to take part In
the protest. and those who do not keep
dogs Joined on humane principles. until
the whole city is now aroused demanding
thai The muzzling law be rescinded
The necessity OF a general gathering of
those who. desire TO express their resent
nent and 20 take formal and organized
action in pleading 10 the Commissioners
that the ordinance be repealed was seen by
the leaders of the movement, and tonight
at the National Rifles ArInory a mass
meeting win be held. There the men and
women who report thousands OF signatures
to their petitions will speak to those as
sembled of the general sentiment existing
in "a yor OF unmuzzling the suffering dogs
MANY OF those who viii speak have pre-
pared reports. telling Of scores Of incidents
where valuable dogs have been made sick
ard died from The elects OF he cruel re-
s'raiai placed upon them. They win show
fast 80 numerous instances pet dogs have
tesi threatened with The loss Of their
sigh- ana that their owners have been
competed regard SIS Of The law. 20 TN
muzz.e cAer1 Those who have p,ade In
vestigation say that in many eases dogs
were taken to the pound after their owners
had found 81 necessary 90 remove fheif
Inu1z.es. fearing that the tantslizing bind
ing OF the jaws would drive them mad.
Dog Owners Hopeful.
We have no fears as to the report that
viii be made to the Senate said prom
inent dog owner and leader of the anti
muzzle movement last night, for the
facts are all in our favor. Hydrophobia
does not exist in the District and the
declaration comes from all that dogs can
not wear the muzzles during the coming
hot months. You can lead a horse TO
water but there is NJ law that will
make him drink A dog can be muZzled,
but In hot wealth he viii become sick,
die. tTIu away. or become dangerous"
Commissioner Wight in speaking of the
Senatorial investigation said yesterday
that the Commissioners would not OBJ
ject TO dnmuzzIing the dogs providing the
law was repealed. Many claim that the
Commissioners have the power TO rescind
the order at any time and that It is I'M
necessary TO take the question before
Congress. Those who have been active in
the movement now confidently express the
belief thai ii is only matter of short
time before the regulation Will cease to
be enforced
The Commissioners are still considering