THE AMMONIA PISTOL.

Evening Star, Issue 12067, 12 December 1903, Page 10

THE AMMONIA PISTOL.

At Enfield on October 26 a motor cyclist was charged, at the instance of the R.S.P.C.A., with, cruelty to a dog. Accused, who rode his cycle daily between "Ponders End and Cheshunt, had been annoyed by an Irish terrier, which repeatedly sought to attack hiiu as he passed, and learning that a pistol charged with water or ammonia was an excellent remedy in such circumstances, he purchased one, and the nest time the dog rushed at him he discharged a 50 per cent, ammonia solution in the dog's face. The dog's sight was destroyed, and evidence was given that the animal suffered such terrible agony that it had to be killed. A post mortem examination showed that the muscles behind the dog's eyes had been into knots. Accused said he had no intention of hurting the animal. He read the suggestion as to the ammonia-pistol ia a cycling paper. The chairman of the magistrates condemned the accused in strong language, and fined him 20s and costs, or twenty-one days' hard labor. The chairman (reports the -'Chemist and Druggist' of October 31) added a hope that the R.S.P.CA. would prosecute the cycling paper for advocating cruelty, and the sellers of ammonia-pistols for abetting it In connection with the above, it may be mentioned that on Sunday last a collection of lads were saluting all and sundry with jets of sea water by means of these weapons at the wharf.