THE GOAT AND DOG NUISANCE IN SOUTHLAND.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1333, 6 November 1872, Page 2

THE GOAT AND DOG NUISANCE IN SOUTHLAND.

[southland news.]

For years past the streets and environs of Invercargill have been a very paradise for goats. Goats of all sorts' and sizesuseful and useless— Jiave been allowed to increase and multiply to their hearts' content without let or hindrance, ,and now they absolutely swarm in every ricketty old building, neglected section, and peaceful suburb. To say they have become, an intolerable nuisance is passing but a mild reflection upon them ; for, when not confined within due limits, they are nothing better than destructive vermin.- .Henceforth, we. are glad to observe, their mischievous propensities will be kept in proper check, within the bounds of the town at all events. During last week the Inspector of Nuisances got up a battue and drove upwards of thirty of them to the pound. A few of the more valuable "Nans" were subsequently relieved from that ignoble durance at 10s 6d a head by their partial owners; but the "vulgar herd" — the low-bred, unowned mob — will be allowed quietly to expiate their offences indue course of law. In plain English, they will be removed to a suitable place, 1 aud there destroyed in terms of the statute in that case made and provided. Couldn't our Municipal authorities go a step further, and sweep the streets of the hordes of useless dogs which infest every 'public thorou jhf are ? O wing to laxity in collecting the tax for some time, these brutes have been, allowed to follow their natural inclinations, and the consequence is that the town has become little better than a common kennel for a worthless pack of mongrels. We have, been able to see good reason for the immunities dogs enjoy in the matter of personal freedom over other domestic animals. Their -manners and customs are more objectionable than most other brutes, and, physically, ' their propensities for biting render them far more ; dangerous to the lieges than either horse, cow, swine, or goat. Indeed these pests* have beoome so bold and numerous lately •that it is at considerable risk one dare venture out after nightfall.