RUNNING OVER A DOG.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LX, Issue 10832, 2 April 1932, Page 2

RUNNING OVER A DOG.

MOTORIST MUST REPORT. It is the privilege of the dog as an English coroner has pointed out. that when it has been run over by a motor car the motorist must stop and report what has happened. The cat has no such privilege. Why does the law thus single out the dog? It is not because he is the “friend of man,” or more intelligent, both of which claims cat lovers might deny, nor even because he stands in need, as he does, or more assistance from man, being more frisky, devil-may-care and galumphing by nature, while the grave, watchful cat is capable of evading passing and even of threading traffic without disaster

The reason ig simply that a dog is identifiable property, and a cat is not. A dog requires a licence, he has a legal master, he bears a name and address to which he can be returned. The cat, however, resplendent with moral and physical attractions, possesses no legal self. Had it one it ought to have, and presumably would have, the right of the dog against those who run it down. But there the controversy—should cats be taxed? —raises its ancient head.