Muzzling The Alsatian

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 214, 7 September 1934, Page 6

Muzzling The Alsatian

Extermination Proposal Dropped UPPER HOUSE PASSES AMENDED MEASURE Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. In the Legislative Council this afternoon, in committee on the Alsatian Dog Bill, Hon. W. Perry said he had made certain inquiries which led him to believe that the dogs were not as ferocious as they were made out 8a be. The Bill went too far and suggested that it might be laid dowt, that no person should own an Alsatian dog unless he was a member of a kennel club and was certified by the secretary as being a fit person to own a dog. At present the dog was being blamed for the faults of the owner. Hon. D. Buddo said there were innumerable instances in which dogs had attacked human beings and stock. Hon. C. J. Carrington said those who were endeavouring to protect women and children were up against a stiff proposition, as tile legislation was being opposed by wealthy owners and breeders. lion. L. M. Isitt said he was not prepared to allow the Bill to go through in its present form. They ought to see what could be done by strict regulation before going to the extreme of destroying dogs. lion. W. W. Snodgrass said there were ample provisions in the Dog Registration Act to safeguard the public as long as those provisions were efficiently administered. Hon. W. Hayward said the dog was definitely dangerous and served no purpose which could not be better served by collies. Hon. E. R. Davis said he was not disposed to vote for the measure, which was going to interfere with the dog, but he was in favour of keeping him under rigid control. The short title of the Bill was passed by IS votes to 16, and on the suggestion of Sir James Allen the clauses providing for the extermination of Alsatians after three years and tho imposition of a registration fee of £5 on females were dropped. The Bill as amended, providing for the muzzling of all Alsatian dogs at large in public places and the prohibition of importations without the conscut of the Minister, was put through the remaining stages and passed.