ALSATIAN DOG BILL AGAIN

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 270, 11 August 1938, Page 12

ALSATIAN DOG BILL AGAIN

Second Reading In Council

By 20 votes to five the Alsatian Dog Bill, which was passed by the Legislative Council last session but not proceeded with in the House of Representatives, was read a second time in the Council yesterday following its reintroduction b.v the lion. C. J. Carriugtou (Auckland).

The Bill provides that: local authorities may prohibit Alsatian dogs in their districts, that all such dogs shall be registered under the Bill, that dogs at large in public places or private premises where tradesmen and others call shall be muzzled, and that the breed shall not be imported without the consent of the Minister of Internal Affairs.

Moving the second reading, Mr., Carrington referred to cases of savage attacks by Alsatians on human beings and stock. He said that the Council on previous occasions had affirmed the principle that stricter control should be exercised over the breed. The Alsatian population had decreased considerably in recent years, following publicity of the introduction and passings of Bills by the Legislative Council. •The Hen. W. H. Mclntyre (Nelson) expressed opposition to members of the Council introducing Bills which they claimed dealt with something that was of grave danger to the public. He considered that that was a reflection on the Government The manner in which the Bill had been received by another place showed that it was a waste of time and money to keep on introducing it. The number of Alsatians in New Zealand to-day was negligible. "Tills Bill is not a thing to be laughed out of court.” said the Hou. J. K Archer (Canterbury), who expressed resentment of the suggestion that the introduction of the Bill was a reflection on the Government The Hon. J. Cotter (Auckland) supported the measure. "I do not think the Bill at present is necessary,” said the Hon. T. F. Doyle (Southland) in opposing it. Alsatians were not as ferocious as some people made out, he said. The Hon. B. C. Robbins (Auckland) said he was stronger than ever in wishing to place restrictions on the keeping of Alsatians. If he had his way he would not allow any of them iu the Dominion.

A division was called for aud the Bill wus v read a second time by 20 votes to five, those opposing it being: Mr. Doyle, Mr. Mclntyre, Hon. B. Martin (Auckland), Hon. T. F. O’Byrne (Southland). Hon. F. E. O’Flynn (Canterburyk »