POINTS FROM LETTERS

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 32, 8 February 1933, Page 6

POINTS FROM LETTERS

"The report of a recent Court case in ■which the owner of an Alsatian dog was summoned—a child having .been bitten by the dog—further illustrates the danger of these animals" (writes W. B. Fitchett). "A few days ago my son was walking along the footpath when three large Alsatians came out of a gate on the other side of the street, tore across the road, and made straight for the child. He was terrified, being by himself and thinking • the dogs were going to attack him. Luckily, the child kept his head and did not strike out, although he was almost knocked over several times with the Alsatians jumping all over him. Fortunately," the owner came out and called the dogs off, but not before their playful bites had left marks on the boy's clothes and limbs. ... I heartily endorse Sir Thomas Mackenzie's statement when he said that the importation of Alsatians into New Zealand should be prohibited, as they were a menace to stock. I go .further than .that, and say that they are a decided danger to humau beings,- especially children." Another correspondent, "Anti-Wolves," refers to this and a previous prosecution, and asks if the breeding of Alsatian dogs is under proper control or are they being allowed to breed indiscriminately, with the risk of their 'becoming a menace if they should stray from the control of their owners. A. reported decline in overseas passenger traffic is referred to by "Fond of Travel," who suggests that shipping companies should endeavour to encourage travelling by reducing fares to meet the times.