THE DESTRUCTION OF DOGS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22295, 22 June 1934, Page 7

THE DESTRUCTION OF DOGS

TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, —Kindly allow me to counter the loose statements of your somewhat oneeyed correspondent, " Dog Lover." He takes a farmer to task for protecting his flock from uncontrolled dogs and, in doing so, exposes his lack, oi. knowledge. Only to the extent of its domestication, environment, and * control' are a dog's natural instincts negatived. Although domestication and training, have wrought great things, .the dog's original state was that of a savage killer aind scavenger. We mere humans have anything but complete freedom of action. yet "Dog Lover" would confer the freedom of the country on dogs. Valuable sheep dogs • are usually under strict control when not on the chain. Nor is it correct to assume that a trained sheep dog will not take a hand in worrying sheep. Experienced shepherds know

how often it is "Old Faithful*' that is found giving a-hand in worrying. The law concerning the laying of ( poison states where poison may not be laid, and is.sensible and fair. Has,"Dog Lover" ever seen, as I have many times, the cruel work of worrying dogs^—sheep torn terribly and' sometimes disembowelled? Does he know the fear that sheep have of stray dogs, especially at night? If he wants the law amended I suggest having it read: "All .dogs loose at night be destroyed and their owners fined, and all dogs when not on chain be kept in strict control." ■ > -

If " Dog Lover " was also a sheep lover, he would hasten to say that those failing to keep proper control of their dogs must accept the consequences of their neglect. —I am, etc., . Lover of Reason. Palmerston, / June 19... '