CYNOMANIA
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR]
SIR,—The Cynophiles have entirely failed to answer Mr. Vulliamy's letter urging the elimination of the domestic dog. There has been merely a little sentimental balderdash, some trivial irrelevancies, and the manifestation (to be expected in Cynophiles) of a morbid hatred of humanity. Indeed, the case against this animal is unanswerable, and I would suggest immediate legislation on the following lines: (I.) Within one month of the passing of the Act all dogs must carry a licence like a car, price los. The 2S. 6d. extra will pay for the licence, which will be worn on the collar and will be renewable yearly. There will be heavy penalties for moving a licence from one dog to another.
(II.) All new licences will henceforth be issued only by a magistrate, who must satisfy himself that the dog is wanted for—
(a) Leading blind men ; (b) Herding sheep or cattle ; (c) Police purposes ; (d) Scientific experiments of benefit to man or animals ; (e) Medical reasons. In this case the applicant must bring two medical certificates stating that the companionship of a dog is essential to the applicant's mental health. One certi- ficate should be signed by the usual medical attendant and the other by a medical practitioner approved for the purpose by the Board of Control.
Under this scheme no one is deprived of a vet until it dies off naturally and the domestic dog is confined to a limited sphere. Furthermore, it will slowly eliminate the cruel, sadistic and destructive practice of fox-hunting.--Yours faithfully,
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