The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1907-03-01
TO WAR AGAINST WORTHLESS
DOGS.
Director Patterson Starts Crusade

o1IOCGOI dOU0ISOh DGt1I Us ID SIuSdO6.
COLLEGE PARK, MD., February "a
Prof. II. Patterson, director of the exper-
imental station, is taking a deep interest
in the extension Of the poultry and sheep
raising industry in Maryland. He has
given the subject much thought, and is of
the firm opinion that these important
branches will not expand until aided by
legislation which will effectually put stop
to destruction wrought by worthless dogs.
1.-The sheep and poultry industry of
Maryland will never develop as it should
until we have some law which will put
restraint upon the dogs which are allowed
to run promiscuously over the country .
said Director Patterson. Again, this
same class of dogs is rapidly depicting the
game in this state, and will soon cause its
entire destruction unless means of control
are adopted.
"Maryland's s natural conditions and To-
cation are peculiarly advantageous for the
sheep industry, and especially so for the
raising of early and hothouse lambs. Even
though the possible profits are exception
ally large farmers hesitate to engage in
sheep raising as long as they are subject
to such hazardous conditions by being sur
rounded on every side by worthless dogs
running wild.
1.-The leaders in agriculture recognize
these facts, and all agree that some relief
is needed, although some feel that it is
impossible to get Legislature to pass an
adequate measure. The opposition to such
law can be easily overcome if every Or
ganization and every well-thinking farmer
individually will support a good, thorough
law, and take extra pains to allow their
representatives in the legislature to know
their sentiments All the Legislators want
to know is that their actions will be backed
by the best and leading people of the
State.
"All of the states where sheep and
livestock industries are prosperous have
good, strong laws protecting them from
dogs. The people of those states have
given their legislators the support and
backing necessary to cause the enactment
of the proper measures. By the proper
co operation and effort we can do the same
in Maryland, and it is hoped that the
right steps will be taken to insure some
such results from the Maryland legislature
in 1908"
DR.. Patterson has prepared a bill, the
passage of which he will urge upon the
next General Assembly. He has begun
early his agitation for his proposition to
protect the sheep industry in order that
the people of the State may be aroused to
the necessity of the legislation, and may
join him in urging the requisite relief.
The bill provides uniform tax of 81
for each dog in the State. The tax is to
be collected in each election district by a
collector selected by the county commits
sioners The contract for collecting the
tax is to be let to the lowest responsible
bidder, who is required to give bond.
Provision is made for use of the dog
tax fund in reimbursing owners of poultry
and sheep destroyed Or MANNED by dogs.
The county commissioners may offer re-
ward not exceeding s25 for the killing of
dog which has destroyed Or manned
poultry or sheep. If the owner of the
destructive dog is known he may be re-
quired to kill or confne the animal. The
commissioners or their agents are author
lied by the act to go upon the premises of
the dog owner and kill the animal. The
owner may save the dog by giving bond in
the sum Of $500 that the animal will not
do further damage.
Other important provisions of the bill
follow
Any person may kill a dog which as
saults him outside the inclosu1e of its
owner Or keeper; and any person may kill
dog found out of the inclosure or imme-
diate care of the owner or keeper worry
ing, manning or killing sheep, lambs,
fowls or other domestic animals, and any
person may kill licensed dog which has
proved to be mischievous or dangerous if
it is found strolling off the premises OF
outside of the immediate care of its owner
or keeper.
The owner or keeper of dog which is
doing damage to sheep, lambs, fowls or
other domestic animals shall be liable in an
action of tort to the county for all damages
SO done, which the county commissioners
have ordered to be paid, as provided In
this act. The district attorney may, and
if so ordered by the county commissioners,
shall bring said action.
All moneys which are received by the
county treasurer under the provisions OF
this act and which is not paid for damages
in the calendar year for which it Is col
lected shall be expended for the restocking
of game in the respective counties under
the direction of the state game warden.
A county officer who refuses or wilfully
neglects to perform the duties imposed
upon him by the provisions of this act re-
lating to dogs shall be punished by fine
of not more than 500, which shall be
paid into the county treasury. Whoever
is aggrieved by such refusal or neglect may
report the same forthwith to the district
attorney of his county, who shall bring
action
A city or town may make additional
ordinances or bylaws relative to the tax
ing and restraining of dogs.
All fines and penalties provided for in
this act may be recovered before police,
district, or municipal court, or justice OF
the peace in the county in which the Of
fence was committed
Good Live Stock Business.