New-York tribune., 1903-04-06
USE OF LEASH WOULD SOLVE PROBLEM.
President Haines Says S. P. c, A. Does Not
Oppose Muzzling Dogs if Needful.
} Editor of The Tribune

| To the Editor Of The Tribune
SIR In view Of the recent occurrence OF at least
one case of undoubted rabies in this city ard OF the
death Of child in consequence of the bite OF the
diseased animal, einenty desirable that every
| reasonable measure should be taken for the pre-
vention of other similar and also for the
, quieting Of the public alarm
should regard II a misfortune II the American
| Society for the Prevention Of Cruelty TO Animals
| were understood to be opposed merely senti-
| mental grounds TO any necessary measures for the
extirpation Of this horrible disease May there
| fore ask permission to your columns for the
purpose OF making the briefest possible statement
| of the position Of cur society
| From a long continued and extensive study we
convinced that rabies is one OF the rarest or
canine diseases; and as firmly convinced
as ever that hydrophobia is even more rare Never
theless it does appear to those whose business IL
Is to decide such matters that each OF these rare
diseases has been exhibited In at least one recent
instance this city. It IS impossible for any one
to tell where rabies in this originated 1t Is
| Impossible tell whether or not other dogs may
not have been bitten by some rabid animal Con-
sequently, since the time required for the incuoa-
ton of the rabies germ varies from few days 70
period OF many months. it iA impossible at this
time TO be assured that other cases may not pre-
sent themselves within that period.
At the present moment 1t is satisfactory 70 De
assured by the Board of Health that not one other
case Is known to exist Yet 1t is imposslbie 10 De
sure that other may not occur. 1t Is there
what measures will most thoroughly secure the
public against the danger OF rabies and hydro
phobia.
An ordinance OF the city Of New-York now In
force provides an amply sufficient protection
against both OF these dangers. Under the present
ordinance Section 672 every dog in any public
place in this city is required to be held securely
by a cord chain not more than four feet long
II this ordinance enforced the danger OF the
communication Of rabies from dog to dog would be
removed since II is not to be supposed that any per-
would lead rabd dog through the public
street
It has been proposed that new ordinance shall
be enacted requiring the dogs in this city to De
muzzled and it appears to be generally understood
that the Society for the Prevention Of Cruelty to
Animals Is opposed to the enactment OF such an
ordinance desire to state exactly what our views
are that subject
The rnuzzling Of dogs, II the uluzzle IS made
really effective must OF necessity cause inconven-
fence and even distress to the muzzled animal In
Excitement which it Causes becomes so intoierable
that myself have personally seen qog tear a. a.
whole face and actually tear the claws out or us
feet @ On oga FOR p[nss tbs pre1e6oh as Of cru
to animals must deprecate the universal muzzInlg
NeveFhsless such extreme W neoessty ST T. Or sa1S the
to exist at this time this society would be far from
taking the responsibility of opposing the enactment
g4PSa s4P Of It qazng IN ang ober od
I would observe, however, that If the present
led by short cord or chain were only enforced
it would be more effective than Inuzzlns oFdl-
nance could be.
On the other hand. the present ordinance IS not
enforced and if the dogs are allowed to run loose
many OF them fitted with imperfect muzzles, ana
with 4 constant liability to have the muzzle crop
off IL is clear that the danger will be very rucn
greater than il would be If all dogs were required
to be led by short leash. .
Having thus stated our own position or1eny ouI
clearly, I have only TO add that our society VIII
IovalIy endeayor to secure the enforcement or any
measures that the proper authorities may deem
10 he most necessary for the securing of pubic
safety JOHN P. HAINES, President