Alsatian Dogs Under Fire.

Franklin Times, Volume XXIV, Issue 21, 21 February 1934, Page 5

Alsatian Dogs Under Fire.

J ‘THESE BRUTES.” HIGHER FEES SUGGESTED. “Take,the two together,” jocularly remarked a member of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union Dominion Executive at a recent meeting in Wellington, referring to the fact that an item on the order paper introducing a protest against the keeping of Alsatian dogs, was followed by a memorandum, “Date of annual shooting .match.” Amid laughter, several members agreed that the idea seemed a good one.

Brief discussion in more serious vein followed the reading of a letter from the Wellington provincial officer of the union, stating that the Taihape branch had protested against the number of Alsatian dogs, considering that steps should be taken to control the position.

Mr L. Hammond (Wellington) said lie thought all farmers were aware of the increasing menace of Alsatian dogs, if they were kept, they should be in active work, but a great many people kept them as domestic animals, and they were liable to do no end of damage. He moved that the authorities concerned he urged to increase the registration fees for Alsatian dogs to £5.

"That seems the only way to deal with the position,” said Mr .T. E. Benson (Poverty Bay), in seconding the motion. “If these brutes are to be allowed to overrun the country, 1 don’t know where we shall get to. Why, I believe that nowadays even lady school teachers keep them. They are increasing out of all number, and they are of no use at ail. In Gisborne round the abattoirs butchers can’t keep their sheep without these brutes worrying them. What about the farmer and bis sheep? In Australia the importation of Alsatians is not allowed, and I understand they are thinking of getting rid of those already there.” The motion was carried.