CRUELTY TO DOGS.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] Sia,—As you are ever the champion of animals, may I call your attention to the cruel practice of the country people in this neighbourhood of keeping their dogs perpetually on the chain? It is the exception to see a dog running free. When remon- strated with, owners are in the habit of replying that they " Don't know where that 'ud get to " if allowed off the chain, or that " that be a yard dog," as though it wets a new species which required no freedom or exercise of any kind. In a recent case at Bury St. Edmunds, where a conviction was obtained, I believe at the instance of the S.P.C.A., it was proved that a dog had never been off its chain for three years. This may have been an aggravated case, but cases of a similar nature, though of less degree, are common enough, and deserve the Society's action. I have lived in a head-hunting country and I have lived in Suffolk, and I can assure you that the average head-hunter treats his dog far better than the average Suffolk peasant.—I am, Sir, &c., OWEN Rurrea. Wattisfield Croft, Suffolk.
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