ABOUT DOGS.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 326, 6 January 1937, Page 4

ABOUT DOGS.

REGISTRATION FEE DUE. Law Lays Responsibilities Upon the Owners. Many good stories have been written about dogs in the past, emphasising their value as the companion as well as the humble servant of mankind. It is affirmed by lovers' of these pets that there are few human passions not shared in by the dog. He is subject to love, anger, hatred, and grief, and shows gratitude, pride, and fear, while in some breeds he develops wonderful sagacity. Sometimes the sense of attachment between dog and. master becomes a reality in their lives, a joy, indeed, that thousands of owners have come to be thankful for. So much so that in these circumstances it becomes a case of “he v.ho kicks my dog kicks me!” Then trouble surely starts, especially if Fido, or Peter or wbat-nm., is the idol of the household, and is bathed, dried, fed, and put to bed like any other wee member of the familv —or, perhaps, where there is none, receives even more attntion, coupled indeed with terms of endfcarmnt. such as “darling” or “pet.” Beware the Ranger. It is with the practical side of dogkeeping, however, that thia story deals, and it is hoped that owners will not neglect the lesson it teaches. In eifectj it is a reminder that the fee for the registration of dogs in the Straford Borough for the year 1937 is now payable at the Council Chambers. For each dog kept solely for the purpose of herding sheep or cattle the fee is 2s 6d, and for any other dog the fee is 10s. Appropriately in this case, the sting is in the tail, because the great majority of dog-owners in the borough will have to pay the larger amount. In addition to the payment of the registration fee, there are certain responsibilities on the owner which it is desirable in his own and the public’s interest should be kept steadily in view. The by-laws of the Borough Council contain several notices thereto. Part HI., relating to the good rule and l government of the borough, states that anyi person shall be guilty of an offence, and liable to a fine not exceeding £2O as the Court thinks fit to impose, “Who keeps a dog on any premises so as to become a nuisance or cause annoyance to residents in the neighbourhood by barking or howling at night-time. “Deads or drives a dog harnessed or attached to any vehicle along the street or public place; “Sets-on, urges, or permits a dog in his charge or following him, to rush at, worry, or attack any person, horse, or animal, or, as the owner, suffers such dog to be at largu. “Takes a mangy or diseased dog in- , to any strec t or public place, and permits such dog to wander at large.” 'Sale of Meat. “Allolws or permits his dog to enter the abattoir, an.v butcher’s shop, or building used fqr the storage of meat intended for sale for human consumption.

Management of Cemetery. “No person shall take any dog into the cemetery; shall permit any dog belonging to him to enter; and if any dog enters the cemetery the owner of such dog shall be guilty-of an offence.” Owners are requested to digest the foregoing reminder. They should also remember that though the Ranger is. a man of infinite patience and understanding, there is a limit to his powers of conciliation. It is just possible that sundry Fidos and Peters and What-nots may fail to return home some day if new registration collars are not procured this month. BANDS FOR SHOW. The executive of the Stratford A. and P.. Association decided at a meeting hid last night to invite the Stratford Citizens’ Band and the Stratford Pipe Band to play at the autumn show. INFECTIOUS DISEASES. The last case of infectious disease in Stratford was reported on February 13, 1936, when it was found that scarlet fever had broken out intone household. This immunity from infectious diseases is partly attributed to the. freedom of the town from flies which are recognised as active carry- i ing agents. SHOW PRIZE FUND. Donations to the A. and P. Association’s autumn show prize fund have been received as follows: Strat- : ford Jersey Cattle Club £ll, Anonymous donor £4 4s, A. R. Claridge £3, D. Malone (Kaponga) £2. C. Marchant £1 is, P. O’Reilly 10s 6d. Quite a few more donations are expected and it is hoped that by the end of the month th list will be a subsantial one,