Dogs And Their Owners

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 118, 12 February 1940, Page 12

Dogs And Their Owners

■Sir, —It was interesting to read of Harry Anderson’s remarks at the Rotary Club of the dog nuisance in London. That this nuisance should have impressed itself on the mind of a Wellingtonian is to me somewhat surprising, and leaves the feeling that dog matters can develop to a worse stage here than they already are. There are few streets in residential areas where the dog pest is not pronounced, and, as an experienced dog lover and owner, I am convinced that more than half the owners do not know how to care.for their pets. They seem to have little thought also for the irritations suffered by their neighbours from incessant barking. A loose dog that barks at every outside movement can easily 'be cured: a little correction will do that, but with dogs kennelled and confined their howling is often from discomfiture, aud even paiu.

Ladies, or even men taking their dogs for an evening’s run, usually held by a short lead, should not jerk the animal’s head off each time he stops. A confined dog needs to stop some 20 to 40 times to become comfortable. Another tiling, dogs are subject to fleas, and should be tubbed and well soaped with dog soap at least weekly. Two small dogs belong to neighbours of mine, the on© we hardly know exists, the other “yaps” fiercely at every passerby. Change the ownership and the behaviour of the dogs will reverse themselves. People who own dog nuisances are not true ladies and gentlemen, such have always consideration for others. I would suggest that the dog licence should be very considerably increased as one of the best means of reducing the growing dog nuisance, as it would be impossible to educate many to be decent to their animals and neighbours. I am, etc., BRUNO. Wellington, February 8.