The Montgomery advertiser., 1909-03-13
WANTS DOG TAX IN CALL Captain Mastin Appeals
 to Governor. IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE
OF VITAL IMPORTANCE
That the Tax Be Similar
 to That of Montgomery.
The Acceunts of the Numbers o Persons who Have Visited Mont gsnery For Treatmnet Show
 Cause For Cali.

of the Legislature from Montgomery county has appealed to Governor Co., mer to put into his call, Legislation for dog tax throughout Alabama, similar to the one now in force in the city of Montgomery. Captain Mastin has record on this question. having passed q dog bill through the Q narrow margin.
 Following his appeal to the Gov ernor. Captain Mastin has written a letter to The Advertiser, through which he would arouse the interest of the people of the State in the pro- posed Legislation. Such Q tax. Cap tain Mastin says is of vital import anoe to the we'll being of the people of the State." He marshals his rea- son to show the pressing need of it..
 Captain Mastin's letter follows:
 Montgomery Ala, March 10, 1909. Editor Advertiser:
 'As there seems to be no doubt that the Legislature of Alabama will be called together in extra session, at no very far time In the future. and no one seems so far to know what special subject or subjects. will be embraced in the call. ] suggest to you, and through you to the people of our State. one subject that Is at this time of vital importance to the well being and interest of all the people of our State. and that Is, the immense horde of worthless dogs that now run riot in every county in the Commonwealth, endangering the lives of the citizens. and destroying thou- sands of dollars worth of property. in domestic animals. poultry. eggs, etc.. to say nothing of the destruction of game of all kinds.
 The State has passed laws to pro- tect the game. and game birds in th,s State, requiring person who kills game to procure a license. and then they are only permitted. at certain times, to do even that. but e surplus horde of worthless dogs are allowed to roam at their sweet will at all times. destroying the nests and vor- aeiousiy devouring the young: thus practically destroying in one year more than the licensed hunters do In two; and yet. they are not required to pay one cent of revenue to the State or county.
 Now, Mir. Editor. I am not in the habit of writing for the public to read. and may not be able to express in as strong language as I ought, the importance of this subject to the people. but in addition to what I have
 
 to intrude upon your space, say that the sheep industry of Alabama Is ai- most nil on account of, the dogs. A great many who wished to go into the sheep industry have been deterred therefrom by the many dangers and dificulties that now surround it. and several that I know that had engaged in 1t abandoned 1t from pure disgust on account of their losses. thus thou Aa A- 1-fY lost by this industry alone.
 ''The published accounts of numbers of persons who have visited our city for treatment from the bites of dogs who have rabies ought to be enough to arouse the people to the fact that something should be done to curtaii the number of dogs in the State, and I know of nothing that would so ef- fectualiy do this as good dog tax law. and ask you to aid in bringing about this result for the benefit of the people, and if you think enough of this communication to publish 1t, that you request the publication of 1t in the other papers of the State. and that the people throughout the State be requested to petition the Govern or to embrace in >~his call legislation on this subject, for unless something along this line is done and soon. game birjs in this State will soon be Q rarity
 with a negro on every forty acres with anywhere from two to four worthless dogs to roam every inch of ground during, nesting season, how can the game increase? The hunters av- craze the killing of from two to three birds from covey a season. and none raising to supply their places. in five years the birds have practically disappeared. to say noth- ing of the revenue that will accrue to State and county from a dog tax.
 '1 am in hopes that you see your way to heartily endorse what I have said on this subject for I know all true sportsmen will do so endeav- ored to have such Legislation enact ed at the last meeting of the Legisla- ture. passed 1t through the House, but It met its death knell in the Senate.
 Respectfully yours,
 "P. B. Mastin"