THE BIG DOG MENACE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 205, 30 August 1934, Page 6

THE BIG DOG MENACE.

In a late issue of "Chambers' Journal" a writer refers to experiences which are germane to the dog discussions which are now occurring. When fishing down at Dovedale he asked the water-keeper what might happen if a dog which was a mastiff got loose. The keeper replied that the man might be pulled down and kept down till help arrived. Concerning the other dog, which was nondescript, but was probably a cross between a bloodhound and a mastiff, the keeper said that tho bitch would tear the man to pieces in ten minutes. Both were huge animals. Writers j who stupidly refer to themselves as "Alsatianists" will not see the point that if one attacks, tho man or woman or child has no chance if alone. All big dogs should be muzzled in towns. Quite lately a big black fellow was on the pavement when I walked steadily past on the ditch side. Just afterwards I heard a menacing roar, and looking back I saw that the dog's attitude was full of menace, too. There was positively no explanation. On an earlier occasion I noticed a well-grown Alsatian in the middle of the street. I had crossed an intersecting street, when, without hearing him, he had approached my left hand. I looked down and spoke kindly to him, when he barked fairly fiercely and dropped away. Again no explanation. We do much for the pre-natal state, but I fear greatly for some unfortunate women with these horrors about. Last Sunday a man went into a tearoom with a huge Alsatian which was not muzzled or leashed. A party of girls who do not appreciate these dogs at all were there. It is not pleasant to contemplate the hand that held the dog's collar, and which might be slavered, reaching around amongst the tea things. It shows, "however, just what these' dog owners will do. Alsatian dogs are favoured by rich people, who say, "Legislation for their suppression must not pass," but a lot of people who have been through troublous times in recent years are getting tired of the extra\acances of motorist and dog menaces, and if these are wise they will limit their many fancies to innocuous delights. HUMANITY.