DOGS IN QUARANTINE.
[To THE EDITOR OF THII " SPRCTATOR.1
Si,—On arriving from a tour in France on July 3rd, our poodle, who was in perfect health, with muscles as bard as iron, and coat like the best Astrachan, was taken from us by an employee of Cook and Co. from the steamer crossing on the above date from Boulogne to Folkestone. He was placed in a basket and taken to the authorised kennels, for which we had to pay 25s. He remained at these quarters for three calendar months, during which time we paid 8s. a week for his board, lodging, and attendance. At the end of this time, on October 3rd, be was restored to us in an unrecognisable eondition,—quite filthy, covered with mange, and reduced to skin and bone. We called in a canine veterinary surgeon of high repute, who said he had never seen a dog in a more neglected condition. We have been told that our great mistake was not having given "tips," and that we should have also said that if we found our poodle in a good state of health at the end of his period of quarantine we would promise further gratuities. This was mentioned to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the reply given was that this was no excuse for gross neglect. Proofs can be given of the state of our dog on going into the Government kennels, and also on returning to us on October 3rd.—I am, Sir, &c.,
P.S.—Since then, alas ! my dog has died at the Animal Hospital, Wilton Place, after receiving every care from Mr. Bette.
[We are strongly in favour of quarantine for dogs coming from abroad, for without such quarantine it would be impos- sible to maintain efficiently the regulations which have freed Britain from the terrible scourge of hydrophobia. But though we would maintain the quarantine regulations in their strictest form, and would relax no particle of their severity, it is imperative that the dogs should be properly looked after. To neglect them and starve them is nothing short of criminal. If Lady Blom field's inference as to the "tips"—for which, however, we can take no responsibility—can be substantiated, there is need for drastic action on the part of the Department concerned.—En. Spectator.]
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