New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-04-03
DOGS NOT INDISPENSABLE.
Law In Chicago, if Enforced, Would Pro-
tect Public.

70 the Ealtor Of The Tribune.
/ Sir: II recent issue Of The Tribune dogs were
referred 10 as Indispensable Even granting all
that the most ardent adnirer may claim in respect
| Of the Usefulness Of some dogs FOR certain pur-
poses il surely cannot be rlghtfuy asserted that
| they are Indispensable The most devoted cham
mon OF DOGS must concede that every in Chris
tendon might be killed tomorrow without inter
nptng or even hinderinE the general business OF
the world. The same cannot be said Of horses or
cattle sheep swine really Indispensable these
are for service, Ger food and for clothing. Should
the worlds crop OF wheat be complete failure for
year humanity could hardly survive the ca
lamty, and the disaster would be nearly or quite
great should there be an entire loss Of the corn
crop for one season. Poultry and fish cotton and
coal and many other things are so universally
needed that 10 be deprived or them would cause
Widespread and most serious suffering. To lose
DOG. however. means generally only the loss Of a
household pet that represents no real value but
merely sentiment often extreme to prevent
due regard Tor the safety OF the people endangered
by the liability OF an attack by the pampered ami
nal
Scores Of persons die every year in the most
terrible manner possible the result Of having
been bitten by rabid dogs and many more suffer
long and acutely from the attacks Of savage dogs.
Yet there is constant opposition by reckless and
fanoticl men and women 10 the only measure
which viii stamp out hydrophobia. the muzzlng Of
dogs when allowed at large and the destruction
OF al not rendered harmless by this means. The
ordnance amended recently here reads as follows:
That fl shan be unlawful for any dog TO run at
leIee on any street alley OF other pubhc pace.
Mlthln The limits OF the city or chicago az any
time unless such dog shall be securely muzzled or
led by chain so as TO efectuaily prevent it from
g!uhe any person or amman, and, any owner or
keeper OF dog who shall suffer the same 10 run
than 81, nor more than SO for each offence and
ior every DAY ne shall suffer the dog TO run at
lsrge without mUzzle. after having been convict
ed under this ordinance.
This is independent OF the provision for impound-
Ing unlicensed and unmuzzled dogs and penalzing
owners who do not muzzle their dogs. Many will
take chances On dogca1chers happening TO find their
dogs, or catching them when seen at large, know
ng that tnls would AT most involve only the pay
different proposition TO risk personal arrest and
q possible fine OF SO, particularly when these
sight OF the dog at liberty unmuzzed. Then, too
the complaint may be made at any time when most
owner who Eas violated the law is IN constant
suspense lest he may Unexpectedly Re compelled
cone neT9beT Of MS fanoiIS The 3o@ nv eeT on
iews This VIII prompt many owners 20 destroy
ther dogs n order 10 avoid frequent annoyance
end loss by fines. The Chicago law thoroughly en-
forced would clear the streets in any city OF
nazzed dogs and stamp out hydroPhobia- that
most horrible Of all diseases. il would also block
ne folly Of the wealminded women who regard It
az eAhlouon OF humane work 10 establish so-called
es ior warrant ours, TO De supported by con-
.IIlOutA lack 81 information on the subject where
lle utterly worthless and dangerous brutes may be
|
.gl aware OF he peril nom EydTophObia. 50 prev
1eit among such ours, and the liability to a fine
whenever the creature gets out upon the street.
government should direct the enforcement Of such
= I t AA over the United States. just as is done
~ We case Of glauoers, Texas fever foot and
ss-o-.l disease. etc, al OF which OF far less
iApoitance because they involve only pecunfary
t,se ana NOT The suffering and terrible death OF
.ggInan beings. Tor whom there is no general
adequate protection. WIN tie successful example
:. 1leai 5I-Lel1 lncte TO prompt action in the
| ,..stIslL OF protective measures urgently
stoea :. @. BRABROOk-
CAiceso. March @ 1904