Dangerous Dogs at Large.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 202, 28 August 1886, Page 2

Dangerous Dogs at Large.

Complaints havo reached us regarding four very dangerous doge that aro permitted to be at large in Symonds-streot hear tho top of City Road. They aro two finemastiffs, and a couple of stag hounds. Thoso four animals rovo round tho streot, and have acted in a mannor that ovidoutiy shows thoy aro too savoge to be longer poimitted to bo at liberty, at any rate unmuzzled. On Sunday Inst they sot upon a passing dog with such ferocity that tho foreleg was torn right oil' tho unfortunate animal, who of course could neither lightnor run away froninunion of euch power as that of a mastiff, und such lluotness us is possossed by tho stag hounds. This morning another untoriunate dog was attacked, and worried Willi groat ferocity. In fact, if not already doad, it will require to bo put out of its misery. It is time that some action was taken by tho authorities before theso brutos attack a I human being. It they wero to set upon a child the chances are that it would be killed as oasily as a dog. Under the Dog Registration Act of 1.80, Sections 11 to |I'J, such animals can bo dealt with summarily if information is laid at Court. A penalty of 20s por day can bo inflicted for oach day the animals are permitted to be at largo after an order of restraint has been granted. Tho Act providos for dealing with dangerous dogs whether registered or not if they aro proved to have injured horses, cattle, sheep or other property. It empowers any constable to seizo them under such circumstances. It also allcws any person to destroy such dogs without boing liuble for damage, while a lino of £5 may bo inflicted upon the ownors of tho same, exclusive of payment of any damago occasioned by their dogs. Tho Act also oxpresses that it is not necessary to prove that tho ownors wore aware of tho dangerous proclivities of their dogs, nor is it required that previous mischiovousness of such dogs shall bo proved or admitted.