ALSATIAN DOGS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21985, 21 June 1933, Page 4

ALSATIAN DOGS

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir— “ Turtle Dot-e” suggests that I find “ another outlet for my venom. 1 can assure him that no one could be more humane where animals are concerned than I, but my opinion that dangerous dogs ot any breed whatever should be barred from public places is not venom, but logic, By every means breed Alsatians, but don t give them liberty in public places! . An Alsatian in Germany, used at his proper job of minding sheep, may have good qualities for that job, but that same clog in New Zealand and out of his element may show vicious tendencies towards human beings. “Fancier” says thqt he has never heard of Pekingese or pomeranians* effecting rescues. He has never, however, heard of an Alsatian pup ot the same size of a Pomeranian making a brave rescue. Certainly a sheep dog in unnatural surroundings, living the life which another type of. dog lives, would probably turn a sheep-killer. If the Alsatians are born sheep dogs, then their presence in the, city streets is misdirected and dire consequences can be expected.—l am, etc., Safety First.

TO THE EDITOR, J Sir, —It seems to me that “R. S., “Safety First,” and their follow-writers are doing good work in bringing to the notice of the public the savage nature ot the Alsatian dog. , I am quite willing to admit that the Alsatian makes a good watchdog anc *. a faithful friend to its master—but to its master only. Then is a man justified in keeping an animal which, while defending him to the death, will tear the throat of any other human being on the slightest provocation? In the B rea t an<a strength of these animals lies their danger to unprotected people. The horror of an attack by one of them would ruin the nerves of an adult, if he escaped with his life. What then would be the effect on a trusting, dog-loving child? Personally, I think “that no amount of damages awarded could compensate for the ettcct of such an attack. Would “Fancier” or his friends risk letting loose a few Alsatians among a crowd of children, say, in the Museum reserve, and guarantee that none would be hurt? If so, I am willing to admit a mistaken,idea of these dogs’ nature. In the meantime I agree with 1 üblie Safety” that societies like that for the Protection of Women and Children should take up the matter. The laws of the country are made for the protection ot the people, not to gratify the fads of a few. - , . “Fancier” and his friends'now tell us that the Alsatian is a German sheep dog and quote from German writers. To the average New Zealander the thought of anything German is more than enough. Our soldiers fought and died to free this country from the German menace, and now it has been introduced in the form of so-called sheep dogs. Perhaps “ Fancier has never seen an English sheep dog at work. The sight might be a revelation to him. It might even teach him that the slogan, “ Buy British Goods,” may be very well applied to dogs also. —I am. etc., Gore, June 18. Be Prepared.