THE ALSATIAN DOG.

Evening Star, Issue 21819, 7 September 1934, Page 6

THE ALSATIAN DOG.

As will have been noticed from our correspondence columns, there is a keen controversy over the merits and demerits of the Alsatian dog. A private Bill dealing with the question has been before the Legislative Council. In moving the second reading the Hon. C. J. Carrington said that the dogs were a menace, and should not be allowed to be perpetuated, and added that their usefulness did not compensate for their danger to the community. Sir Francis Bell expressed his conviction that these dogs are “ dangerous brutes,” remarking that a large number of women and children lived in terror of attacks by them. The Bill was referred to the Agricultural Committee of the Council, which introduced amendments to the measure providing that the ownership of Alsatians should be illegal in three years after the passing of the Act; that tho importation of Alsatians after three months must be with the consent of the Minister of Internal ‘Affairs; that all dogs after the passing of the Act should be muzzled; and that female dogs should be subject to an annual tax of £lO. A provision for sterilisation was dropped, it having been contended that this did, not make the dogs less savage. The Bill has passed the Upper House, the clauses providing for tho extermination of the dogs after three years and the imposition of a registration fee on females having been dropped. The measure provides for the muzzling of all Alsatian dogs at large in public places and the prohibition of importation without the consent of the Minister. There is not a great deal of value in the first condition—it is too limited in its scope—but the Minister of the day, if he deems it advisable, may effectively check the introduction of these dogs from outside. The House of Representatives has not yet dealt with the Bill, so that, it is problematical if it will become law this session. The Alsatian is a noble-looking animal, and it seems to win a tremendous amount of affection from its owners, but considering the potential dangers it is very doubtful if it should be allowed in the dominion. It is exceedingly difficult to devise any system of effective control, and the muzzling in . public places, as provided in tho Bill, is entirely inadequate. The vehemence of our correspondents in attack and defence is evidence that danger does exist, and it looks as if the defenders of this animal have allowed their love for it to outrun their judgment. A strong point has been made that the Alsatian is valuable for sheep purposes. It may perhaps be trained for use in this direc r lion, but it is hard to believe that as a sheep dog it will ever match the sagacity and usefulness of a well-trained collie. If there is danger to women and children from the Alsatian—and there appears to be little doubt on that point—it would be wiser to banish it altogether from the dominion without being harsh to owners on the coming into operation of a law governing such a decision. No strong case can be made out for the retention of the Alsatian from the utilitarian point of view or otherwise. There are many breeds, large and small, in tho dominion that offer an abundant choice to the doglover. Why introduce one that may become an element of danger? The few that are here now are probably well controlled, but that might not be the case with the large increase in their numbers that must inevitably follow their unchecked possession.