The Dog Tax

Dominion, Volume 25, Issue 223, 16 June 1932, Page 9

The Dog Tax

Sir, —Will you kindly allow me a little space to give Mr. Wingrove a glance at tlie canine question from another angle? Unfortunately, I did not see “Childreij First’s” letter in a previous issue, but as far as nom-de-plumes are concerned, “Self First’’ would fit 99 per cent, of us. As to dogs, if Mr. Wingrove had to make his living farming within 10 miles of the city he would very soon come to to the conclusion that a £5 per year tax would be a wise bit of legislation. A neighbour of mine has shot 14 worrying dogs in the last two months, after wasting infinite time on guard against their depredations. Any sheepfarmer within the above area ean give gory details as to the number of Sheep lost in recent years through town dogs out after a bit of sport, or something to take the place of that two pounds of stewing steak. Any drover can add to the stories of nuisance caused by poodles continually running out of houses and stopping the lead of the mob. . . . Town life is an ‘ unnatural life for a dog and the swarm of useless dogs that exist in the towns should be weeded out thoroughly and the test of those who really enjoy the company of dogs is best determined by the amount they are prepared to pay for the privilege of keeping them. In conclusion, I would suggest that the Tail-Waggers’ Club should add to its next circular to members a list of a few commonsense precautions which would help to lengthen the life of such (togs as are spared by the motor —e.g., (1) Keep dogs tied up at night. (One man when faced with his dead pet and an account for worried sheep said he let the dog go because it howled on the chain.) (2) Do not take them off the public i;oad on to private property. Town dogs easily get lost, and cartridges cost money. Besides, farming is hard enough now without the added worries of worrying. (3) Thrash sporting dogs promptly if they so much as look through a fence at sheep. (Several times I have seen people drawing a pet’s attention to sheep, encouraging him to bark, etc.) One thing leads to another, and a bill for damages is eventually certain. —I am, etc., J. A. KIRKCALDIE. Makara. June 11.