The Washington herald., 1909-06-05
WOULD CHANGE LAW
Gives to Police Power Vested
in Humane Society.
CHAMBER COMMITTEE ACTS
Approves Draft of Bill Reported on
Subject, and VIII Forward IL to
ton FavOred-James b. Reynolds
Invited to Washington.

At a meeting Of the committee on law
and legislation Of the Chamber Of Com
merce yesterday a subcommittee present
ed its report upon the subject Of a change
in the powers centered IN the Washing
ton Humane Society. The report IN sub
stance was q bill, drafted II proper form.
to be introduced IN Congress, which was
adopted BY the committee. and Will be
sent forward 10 the directors for their
consideration and action. The bin. It
IS understood. was drafted by Leon
Tobrlner. chairman OF the subcommittee
The action Of which this bill is the
result began several months ago. when
a resolution was introduced at a meeting
OF the chamber setting forth that a
change In the law relating 10 the preven-
ton OF cruelty 20 animals and the meth
DDS Of It's enforcement was advisable.
but that the legislation then pending
before Congress was Objectionable IN
form and that a better bill should be
framed 10 cover the subject
Terms Of Proposed Act.
The bill proposed in its hrst section de-
hnss cruelty 20 draft animals and pro
nounces unnecessary overlooking OF over
driving or other inhuman treatment OF
draft animals 20 be a misdemeanor pun
!shabie as afterward provided.
Section two defines the docking" OF
horses tails as cruelty punishable under
the provisions Of the act
Section three declares instigating. pro-
noting. or carrying on fights between
birds or animals TO be p misdemeanor
punishable under the provisions OF the
act
Section four declares II 10 be unlawful
10 sell or offer for sale any animal too
sick or one which IS disabled for work
Section five provides that the enforce
ment OF the provisions OF the act shall
be lodged in the superintendent Of po-
Ice, instead Of the humane society and
its agents.
Section six provides for the proper de-
tail OF officers for the enforcement OF the
act.
Policemen To BE Appointed.
Section seven authorizes the Commis-
sloaers 20 add 20 the police force The
necessary complement OF officers for this
work.
Section eight declares # 10 be unlawful
for any person TO Of1er a prize. gift,
medal. or other encouragement TO activity
on the part OF policemen IN the enforce
meat Of the act
Section nine declares that fines. col
lateral. or other f0rteitures resulting from
the enforcement OF the act shall not De
paid 20 the Humane Society. but shall be
deposited in the Treasury OF the United
States and become a part o. the revenues
Of the District
Section ten provides that the penalty for
violation Of the act shall be a fine not
exceeding 800 or imprisonment not 10
exceed one year. or both. IN the Dis
cretion OF the court. for each offense.
In section eleven animals IN the purview
Of the act are defined as all sentIent
creatures. except human beings. and
owners and persons referred 20 in the
act include corporations as well as in
dividuals. Torture. torment and cruelty
arc held 10 include neglect n care or
feeding as well as infiictiOn OF pain by
whip OF other instrument.
Approves TaiIOrs' Resolution.
The committee on law and legislation
also adopted a resolution approving in
LA44 - III D@LAE l4at ltciAAt4Nla Fft-t4llti4 10
the chamber by the Ladies Tailors' As
sociaton, relating 70 the sale Of goods
from samples IN hotels by merchants or
their agents from other cities. The reso-
luton provides for the creation OF a COM
mittee 10 confer with the Commissioners
with a view 70 ascertaining the pOssi-
bili,y OF a license tax which shall either
prohibit such selling or make II so un-
profitable IN Washington as practically 10
eliminate il. This committee is 20 re-
port 10 the committee on law and legis-
latIon the result Of its inquiries for fur
Their action
James 3. Reynolds. special investigator.
who recommended 70 President ROOse-
welt that the form OF local government be
changed. was last night invited 20 come
TO Washington and appear before the sub
committee Of the chamber having that
subject in charge The invitation went 10
him through Ernest Daniel, chairman OF
the subcommittee.