JUNIOR S.P.C.A. LEAGUE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 252, 23 October 1937, Page 12

JUNIOR S.P.C.A. LEAGUE

The Inspector tells me that he is very busy, and getting more calls from the country than before, showing that our work is becoming more known. I want this week to say just a word to the younger boys. Very often boys have pets of their own to whom they are devoted, particularly dogs, and boy and dog are the greatest pals. But —1 hope 1 have no reason to speak to any member of the Junior League, in this respect, but rather to the boy who is vaguely fond of all animals, looks after his own in the best way, but easily forgets to consider the animals of others in the same kindly way. A boy with a dog running happily at his side will throw stones at a dog on the other side of the street, or casually kick a dog that ventures to come near. Not that children are alone in this fault, but if you will stop and think a little, and try not to treat other people’s pets with

any less care than your own, or, if you have none of your own, at least give all animals fair treatment, the fear and dislike of young people that many dogs have will gradually disappear. It may be no fault of yours that a dog growls as you pas» or looks as if he might like a little piece of your bare leg, but remember someone must at orfe time have frightened that dog into dislike of boys. Sometimes friendly approach of that dog to a young person whom he thinks must be able to run and play games with him, has been met with abuse and perhaps pain, and for all time that dog will regard all boys of that height and dress with suspicion. See to it that no action of yours will ever let down the confidence of a young animal towards those he should have every reason to trust. NEW MEMBERS BETTY DREW. MARGARET MACCALLUM.