ANNUAL REPORTS OF ASPCA

For the year 1889 Link to: <www.aspca.org>

For the year 1904

Comments & Summary

The Reports of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals are provided to give the reader some insight as to animal issues from another era. Reading the material quickly brings home how different were the times and how dominant horse issues were within the city of New York. On the other hand some animal issues, e.g., dog fighting, seem timeless.

The reports also reflect an ethic melting pot of New York City with several references to individuals as Russians or Italians. The recent arrive of an individual to the U.S. was used as a defense to cruelty charges [7].

While you will hopefully be able to read all of the reports, some of the highlights are provided with hyperlinks for quick access into the material.

TABLE OF CONTENTS (1889)

1. Address of the President.

* Quaint references to "speechless servants of mankind", the helpless and defenseless dumb creatures.

* Operation of ambulance (number of horses removed in year)

2. Report of the Executive Committee.

* Transition of power from the Bergh era.

* The Honorable William Waldorft Astor was elected to Executory Committee.

3. Treasurer's Report

* The operational cost for the year was $27,000.

4. Superintendent's Report.

* Problem of unfit stables.

* Inadequate shipping crates for chickens.

* Inspection of city operated dog pound.

* Problem of poisoning animals.

* Rabbit baiting--acquittals.

* 24 years of data in summary.

5. Report of cases from the year.

* Striking horse with iron shovel [17], with black snake whip [24], with iron rod [19], with car-hook [23], with ice-tongs [25], with two-inch board [27], with butt end of whip [29], with an axe [31].

* Dog fighting [18],[26],[35],[36]; cock-fighting [20].

* Biting off the ear of dog [21] [unusually tough sentence].

* Poisoning dogs [22].

* Inciting a dog to kill a cat [28].

* Throwing a cat out a window [37].

* Drove a horse until it dropped dead [32].

* Biting off the heads of kittens on a bet [38], of a duck [33], of a turkey [34].

TABLE OF CONTENTS (1904)

1. Address of the President. He laments how the success of the organization has raised the expectations of others so high that now the ASPCA is criticized for not doing more. For not doing more they are subject to "voluminous and vociferous assaults".

* Successful projects create enemies: stopping the pigeon shooting.

* The President refers to animal as "dumb creatures".

* Should the ASPCA sand the streets of New York to protect the horses from slippery conditions?

* Frivolous complaints.

* The President noted that during the year 1904, 63,285 horses were stopped in the street to be sure they were fit for labor; 173 times every day.

2) The Treasurer's Report. Expenses for the Society for the year amounted to $127,000.

3) The Report of the Superintendent. He suggests that "asphalt" is responsible for more than two thirds of the animal suffering on the streets of New York. He also addresses the problem of using volunteers to enforce the cruelty laws. Other issues discussed include:

* poisoning animals.

* dog and cock fights

4) Cases prosecuted.

* neglect of farm animals [1], [10], [16]

* transportation of live chickens upside down [2]

* overworking of a horse [3],[5],[6]

* dog beating [4], horse beating [8]

* burning a rat [7]

* cruel transportation of calves [9],[15]

* cock fighting [11]

* abandonment of worn-out horses [12],[14]

* reckless driving of an unfit horse [13]

5) History. Origins of both the RSPCA in London and the ASPCA in New York. Efforts of Mr. Bergh.

6) Legal and Constitutional Status of the A.S.P.C.A. This section discusses the unique quasi governmental status of the A.S.P.C.A.

* The Fox case.

7) An appeal for funds.

8) List of publications available.

9) How to proceed against offenders.

10) Destruction of Small Animals.

Reports (the original page numbers are denoted with *X*):

_____________________________________

*1* The American Society

For The

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Incorporated by the State of New York

_______________

TWENTY-FOURTH ANNUAL REPORT

FOR 1889

HEADQUARTERS OF THE SOCIETY.

100 EAST TWENTY-SECOND STREET, CORNER OF FOURTH AVENUE

NEW YORK

1890.

_____

OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY

____________

President.

JOHN P. HAINES.

Vice-Presidents

ELBRIDGE T. GERRY. ALFRED WAGSTAFF.

BENJAMIN D. HICKS. MORRIS JESUP.

E.S. JAFFRAY JOHN CLAFLIN.

REV. MORGAN DIX FREDERIC GALLATIN.

W.C. SCHERMERHORN. JAMES M. BROWN.

_______________

Executive Committee.

ELBRIDGE T. GERRY. ARTHUR B. CLAFLIN,

BENJAMIN D. HICKS. GEORGE G. HAVEN,

CHARLES LANIER, HORACE RUSSELL,

JAMES M. BROWN,. EDWARD A. HAMMOND,

PARKE GODWIN, GEORGE G. DeWITT, JR.,

ANSON PHELPS STOKES, JAMES GRANT WILSON,

JOSEPH H. CHOATE, FREDERIC R. COUDERT,

WILLIAM WALDORF ASTOR

__________________________

Treasurer.

HORACE RUSSELL.

_______________

Secretary

GEORGE G. DeWITT, JR.

______________

Assistant Treasurer,

JOSEPH W. EDWARDS.

_________

Superintendent.

CHARLES H. HANKINSON.

_______________

Veterinary Surgeon,

SAMUEL K. JOHNSON

_________________

BROOKLYN OFFICE:

415 Fulton Street, Brooklyn

Superintendent.

F.O. CLARK.

*5* ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT.

____________

Ladies and Gentlemen:

Since the initiatory steps were taken to call into existence our beloved Society, having for its object the protection of those speechless servants of mankind, which minister in so many ways to our happiness and profit, a quarter of a century has nearly elapsed. It is not my purpose, however, at this time, to review the work accomplished during that long period, nor the unremitting labor devoted thereto with a fidelity and zeal worthy of such a cause, and which have produced such beneficent results.

In view of what has been accomplished in the past, I am fully conscious of the great responsibilities I assumed when I accepted the honorable office of President of your Society.

In presenting this, the twenty-fourth annual report of the Society's work, I will but briefly allude to a few matters of interest, believing that you will find in the detailed reports of the Executive Committee, Treasurer, and Superintendent, more gratifying information.

It affords me much pleasure, however, to announce, that your official residence has been remodeled, and made more convenient for the needs of your Society, and the preservation and compilation of accumulated records and reports relating thereto, and which may be required in the distant future, to give to a new people the history of the birth and progress of the Parent Institution of this Continent, having for its object not only the protection of defenceless dumb creatures, but by practice and precept to inculcate in the minds of the people sentiments of kindness and forbearance towards the helpless.

Other changes have also been made, having in view better sanitary conditions, and conveniences for the officers attached to Head-quarters.

A new drinking fountain of large capacity, for man and beast, *6* has replaced the one formerly in use in front of the building, and many other improvements added to the premises, having for their object increased facilities for carrying on the work of humanity.

The necessity for improved methods pertaining to the Ambulance and derrick service, prompted your Executive Committee to set apart a portion of the funds of the Society towards the purchase of land, and the erection thereon of a suitable building for that purpose. This has been accomplished, and now, in addition to your official headquarters, you have an Ambulance house for the housing of the vehicles, also horses, and patent quick-acting harness of simple contrivance, but which possesses great advantages over the ordinary kind, all of which reduce the time of departure to a minimum, in order to despatch relief to a suffering animal in the street.

In addition to the improvements mentioned, kennels for the care and comfort of all kinds of small animals have been provided in the building; likewise an apartment for the humane destruction of those found sick, injured, or otherwise disabled.

The patrol wagon service has been extended and improved. Hardly a day passes but what the usefulness of this department of our work is demonstrated, as the following incident will show:

The shaft of a passing vehicle entered the body of a horse that was standing on Broadway near 20th Street. The wound was a terrible one, and no doubt the poor creature would have bled to death but for the opportune arrival of the patrol wagon with bandages and liniments. While engaged in dressing the wound, the ambulance arrived, into which the suffering animal was placed, and taken to the hospital. Under the old system this would have taken nearly an hour, during which time the horse would have had to remain on the street pending the arrival of the vehicle and assistance.

An informal inspection of the work was conducted by the several branch organizations of the Society throughout the upper part of the State convinced me that, while not as complete as might be desired, owing no doubt to opposing influences which are to be found in all communities, it is still conducted in a satisfactory and vigorous manner. *7*

I was, however, greatly exercised at the condition of the horses and mules employed on the towpaths of the several canals of the State. It seems to me that the sphere of the usefulness of your Society should be extended in that direction, and aggressive measures instituted during the entire season. Officers should be stationed along, and thoroughly police, the canal districts. This course of action would require a large expenditure of money, but the misery and physical suffering which it would prevent to the defenceless dumb creatures, compelled to toil daily, as a motive power, with ghastly wounds on their bodies unprotected from the galling harness, would compensated a thousand-fold for the outlay.

In addition to this phase of the work, there are many other places where large numbers of animals are employed -- viz., quarries, brick yards, and lumber districts, -- over which the Society could extend its protecting authority, if the condition of its treasury would permit.

In closing this, my first annual address, allow me to wish you a prosperous and happy New Year.

John P. Haines,

President.

New York, December 31, 1889. *8*

REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE

COMMITTEE.

_____________

The Executive Committee of the Society congratulates its members, and all friends of the cause of animal protection, upon the continued and ever increasing spread of the good work; also upon the recent acquisition for the furtherance of its usefulness of many practical appliances for the immediate relief of suffering animals.

Inasmuch as the several reports of the President and Superintendent give ample details of the general work done during the past year; likewise that of the Treasurer, as to its financial condition, your Committee will confine itself briefly to matters coming within the immediate sphere of its duty.

The Committee reports the election of Mr. James M. Brown to be President of the Society, vice Henry Bergh, resigned.

Also the resignation of Mr. Edwin Bergh as a member of the Executive Committee.

Also that on April 12th, last, much to the regret of your Committee, President Brown tendered his resignation, assigning as the reason therefor important business and other duties which required his almost constant attention. While regretfully accepting the resignation of Mr. Brown as President of the Society, it is our pleasure to announce that he will continue to serve the cause with his counsel and presence as a member of our Advisory Board.

Also that Mr. John P. Haines was thereupon unanimously elected President of the Society, vice James M. Brown resigned.

Since Mr. Haines' election he has devoted most of his time to the duties of his office, and has thoroughly reorganized and systematized the affairs of the Society, and under his supervision the headquarters have been enlarged and repaired, and an ambulance house built, and extensive alterations and changes have been made in the offices of the Society, to which we invite your *9* attention, enabling it to conduct its business more systematically than heretofore.

Also the election as members of the Executive Committee, Mr. Frederic R. Coudert and the Hon. William Waldorf Astor.

Forty-three names have been added to the yearly and life membership rolls of the Society, during the past year.

It is the painful duty of your Committee to report the demise of one of their honored associates, the late Nathan M. Beckwith, who was for many years and at the time of his death, a Vice-President of the Society.

Also that of Mrs. Ellen M. Gifford, a life member and earnest co-worker in the cause.

Likewise the decrease of Mrs. E.T. Hicks, of old Westbury, Long Island, also a life member and ardent sympathizer with all organizations engaged in the work of protecting the weak and helpless.

In addition to the above, several others of our associates have passed away from the sphere of their usefulness, whose names will be found inscribed on the obituary records of the Society.

Several new Societies for the prevention of cruelty to animals have been organized during the past year throughout the State, pursuant to the act passed by the Legislature of 1888, and are in active co-operation with the parent institution.

Laws similar to our own have been enacted by the Dominican Republic of South America, and a Society formed there for the enforcement of the humane laws. An elector of your official seal and emblem has been presented to the Organization, and its members have been welcomed to our merciful brotherhood.

Several new drinking fountains have been erected in the upper districts, thus supplying a need of long standing.

We desire to gratefully acknowledge the continued kindness of the Safe Deposit Company of New York in giving to the Society, free of rent, the use of a large safe in their vaults.

In conclusion your Committee submits, that nothing has been left undone to carry out the object of the Society, and extend the work for which it was called into being.

Geo. G. DeWitt, Jr.,

Secretary. *10*

TREASURER'S REPORT.

___________

New York, January 1, 1890.

To The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:

The Treasurer begs leave to report that the balance brought over December 31, 1888, was $50,738.73. The receipts from all sources during the year ending December 31, 1889, were $50,976,32, making a total of $101,715.05. The sum expended and invested during the year was $89,409.52, leaving a balance of $12,305.53. The following financial statement will show the sources whence the revenue has been derived, and also the accounts under which its funds have been disbursed during the above-mentioned period.

Respectfully submitted,

CHARLES LAINER,

Treasurer *11*

CHARLES LANIER, Treasurer, in account with THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF

CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

1888 DR.

1889. CR.

Dec. 31. To Cash Balance on deposit in Union

Trust Co. ................................ $50,497.42

To Cash Balance in Petty Cash Drawer 241.31

$50,738.73

" " Part of Bequest Estate W.D.

Fuller ............................ 9,685.42

" " Bequest Estate Anita Exter 320.00

" " " " Zalmon Bonnet 500.78

" " " " Caroline J.

Welton, 341 Shares Holmes,

Booth, & Haydens Stock ..... 11,290.00

" " Members' Subscriptions and

Donations to date............... 5,381.75

" " Fines................................ 2,126.15

" " Deposits on Badges.............. 21.00

" " Bond City of Poughkeepsie

redeemed......................... 1,000.00

" " Other sources...................... 20,651.22

$101,715.05

___________________________________________________

1889.

Dec. 31. To Cash Balance on deposit Union

Trust Co................. $12,292.86

" " Balance in Petty Cash

Drawer.......... 12.67

_________

$12,305.53

___________________________________________________

Dec. 31 By Cash Disbursements from January

1st to date inclusive as follows:

" " For maintenance of Society...... $27,177.57

" " Fountain Account.................. 309.70

" " Taxes and Insurance............... 3,215.04

" " Improvements and repairs on

Real Estate.................... 21,656.25

" " Legal Expenses.................... 1,102.61

" " Deposit on Badges refunded..... 4.00

" " Collateral Inheritance Tax........ 2.194.35

" " Invested in 1st Mortgage R.

R Bonds .......................... 33,750.00

" " Balance on deposit in Union

Trust Co............ $12,292.86

" " Balance in Petty

Cash Drawer....... 12.67

12,305.53

$101,715.05

___________________________________________________

New York, January 14, 1890. We, the undersigned, have this day examined the accounts of The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, as exhibited to us by books and vouchers, and find them correct and in accordance therewith.

BENJ. D. HICKS )

) Auditing Committee

G.G. HAVEN ) *12*

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT.

__________

In submitting this the Twenty-fourth Annual Report of the general work accomplished during the past year, it must not be assumed that every detail of duty or every official act has been embodied. To do so would take up more space that can well be accorded.

It is gratifying, however, to report that instances of wanton abuse of animals are not so frequent as heretofore, and the penalties inflicted upon offenders, and the vigilance of the Society, have undoubtedly brought about that result.

Cruelty has now to be followed to be detected, and to discover offenders requires greater watchfulness on the part of those whose province it is to enforce the laws.

The following, however, will, in a condensed form, show the character and magnitude of the work.

INSPECTION OF STABLES.

The several car and other stables have been officially visited from time to time by our officers, and while many horses were condemned as being unfit for railroad service, the majority were found to be in excellent condition. There are many so-called stables, however, in the city, which ought to be condemned, not only from a sanitary point of view, but for the absence of proper and adequate means of escape in case of fire. It should not be allowed to stable horses in wooden buildings, built in the rear of tenements, the entrance to which from the street is through a narrow passageway. There are many subterranean stables in the city in which from five to twenty horses are lodged, and are only kept in proper condition by reason of the constant surveillance exercised over them by our officers.

Cow-sheds in this and adjacent countries have been inspected, and several persons prosecuted and convicted for feeding cows *13* on swill, and keeping the animals in crowded and unhealthy barns.

POULTRY.

It has been necessary to keep up a persistent warfare against shippers and consignees of live poultry. Many thousands of these animals arrive weekly in this city from Western States, in coops and crates inadequate in size to accommodate the living freight. On their arrival here, our officers insist that food, water, and ample space be at once provided, and thus in a measure mitigate their suffering pending final disposition.

CANALS.

Two experienced officers were detailed from headquarters, who, in conjunction with the local agents of the Society, resident along the line of the several canals of the State, thoroughly policed the towpaths.

They suspended from labor many horses and mules found working, and suffering from bleeding wounds on the breasts and shoulders, unprotected from the harness. Several boat-captains and their drivers were prosecuted for permitting the animals to be worked in the condition described, and were convicted and fined for the offence.

DOG-POUND

The city dog-pound has been visited by our officer every week, and every thing has been done for the care and comfort of the unfortunate animals proscribed by city ordinance, and awaiting death, which latter, owing to the Society's recommendation as to the mode, is a most merciful one. Several of the dog-catchers have been convicted and fined for cruelly treating the animals while engaged in their capture.

DOG- AND COCK-FIGHTING

These brutal so-called sports are still indulged in, but only in places where it is most difficult for our officers to approach with *14* out being discovered. Several dog- and cock-fighting dens, however, have been raided during the past year, and over a hundred persons found participating in the brutal orgies arrested, convicted, and fined.

The animals and all the paraphernalia captured are forfeited to the Society. The proprietors of the places were likewise prosecuted, convicted, and punished for permitting their premises to be used for unlawful purposes.

SHIPMENT OF LIVE-STOCK.

The exportation of cattle, sheep, and other animals to foreign countries has assumed large proportions during the past few years. Vessels of all descriptions are in demand to transport the stock, and but for the presence of the Society's officer on board at the time of shipment, much cruelty, no doubt, would be inflicted upon the animals by the cattle-drovers. The absence of clubs and steel-pointed sticks, formerly used to prod and beat the animals, is evidence of what is being done in that direction. The quality and quantity of food and water provided for the stock during the voyage is thoroughly examined, and every thing is insisted upon which will add to the comfort of the animals while in transit, but there is no doubt that when the vessel gets outside of the jurisdiction of the State the poor creatures are subjected to neglect and abuse.

POISONING ANIMALS.

The cowardly offence of dropping small pieces of meat or brad impregnated with poison, with the intent that it should be eaten by a neighbor's cat or dog, out of revenge or for some fancied wrong, has given the Society much trouble. Many animals have thus been subjected to prolonged suffering and death. Detection and conviction is seldom possible in such cases, owing to the fact of the law requiring positive proof of actually seeing the placing of the poisoned food "with the intent that it shall be taken by an animal."

Several persons, however, have been prosecuted, convicted, and severely punished during the past year for the offence, al- *15* though, in one instance, it took several weeks to secure the necessary evidence.

President Haines has offered a reward of $25.00 for information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of any person guilty of the offence described, and has caused posters to be distributed throughout the State, calling attention to the matter.

RABBIT-BAITING.

Pursuant to instructions from President Haines, the undersigned, with six of the Society's officers, went to Hicksville, Queens County, Long Island, on December 7th last, and there arrested two of the principals engaged in the so-called sport of rabbit-baiting. To enumerate all the cruel details incidental to the chasing and killing of rabbits by dogs in an enclosed field would doubtless shock the sensibilities of all right-thinking people. It will suffice to state that the rabbits are captured and brought from some Western State to a Long Island farm, and there kept in bondage until it pleases the members of the club, to whom the animals are sold, to drive them out one at a time into the field described, where they are chased by dogs until caught and killed.

This manly (?) pastime was criticised by a farmer's daughter who was present at the last bait in the following outspoken language: "They (alluding to the clubmen) call themselves men! I'd like to see them all spanked!" The prisoners were arraigned before the local magistrate, and charged with violating certain of the provisions of section 655 of the Penal Code, viz., "instigating and furthering acts of cruelty to animals." One of the defendants demanded immediate trial by jury, and well-known local counsel was employed by the club to defend him. The Society's prosecuting officer presented the case clearly from a legal stand-point, and showed the mutilated body of the rabbit as evidence of the character of the "sport." The jury remained out some time, but finally rendered a verdict of not guilty. The other defendant was tried at night-time before the same Justice and a jury with the same result.

Elated by the verdicts, another bait was indulged in by the same club and at the same place. The slipper of the dogs was promptly arrested by the Society's officer, who, to the surprise of those present, suddenly put in an appearance on the field. The prisoner likewise demanded a trial by jury, and was acquitted. Representative citizens of Long Island, however, condemn the foreign innovation under the name of coursing, and characterize it as a brutal pastime.

OTHER WORK.

Officers of the Society have attended exhibitions, theatres, and other places where animals were employed or used in performances with the view of preventing their improper treatment or abuse.

The cruel practice of snaring and trapping song-birds is still carried on in defiance of the special laws enacted for their protection. Our officers have, on several occasions, while patrolling the outlying districts, seized and destroyed the paraphernalia used for the purpose, which is usually set up in vacant lots, adjacent to parks or private grounds.

The horses and mules employed on the new aqueduct have been looked after, likewise those working underground. The animals were found, in the main, to be in good condition. A number, however, were suspended from labor, owing to physical disability, and several humanely destroyed, being found past further use.

NIGHT WORK.

Although our uniformed force is limited as to number, officers have been detailed to patrol the streets through the night. They have visited markets, ferries, depots, hack-stands, and other places in their official capacity, and much good has been accomplished thereby.

AGENTS.

Many local agents of the Society, resident throughout the State report that while they have not found it necessary to prosecute persons for abusing animals, the knowledge that they have the authority to do so is a menace to the cruelly inclined. *17*

BROOKLYN.

The Brooklyn department of our work has been most efficient in the discharge of the manifold duties requiring attention.

SUMMARY.

The following table shows, in a condensed form, the work accomplished during the past twenty-four years:

Cases prosecuted in the Courts....................................................... 15,790

Disabled Animals temporarily suspended from work............................. 39,214

Horses, disabled past recovery, humanely destroyed............................. 29,366

Disabled Horses removed from the Streets in the Ambulances................. 5,346

1889.

The aggregate result for the year 1889 is as follows:

Cases prosecuted in the Courts....................................................... 949

Disabled Animals temporarily suspended from work............................. 2,357

Horses, disabled past recovery, humanely destroyed............................. 2,812

Small Animals, disabled past recovery, humanely destroyed................... 705

Disabled Horses removed from the Streets in the Ambulances................. 407

Complaints received and investigated............................................... 2,793

In conclusion, the undersigned respectfully commends to favorable notice the new distinctive uniform now worn by the Society's officers of New York and Brooklyn, also to the conspicuous zeal and intelligent judgment exercised in all matters affecting their official duties.

Respectfully submitted,

CHARLES H. HANKINSON,

Superintendent.

The following are some of the more important cases prosecuted during the past year:

1889.

Jan. 2 Davis Felton, for twisting, or what is known as "locking" the wings of poultry, then throwing the animals in a violent manner to the stone floor. This offence took place in the building designated by the Board of Health for the purpose of killing poultry. It is necessary to keep one of our officers constantly in attendance there, to prevent abuse of the animals. Fined ten dollars. Court Special Sessions. *18*

Jan. 8[17] George Shuttleworth, for striking a horse on the head with an iron shovel. "I lost my temper," was the excuse. Fined five dollars. Court Special Sessions.

Jan. 10 Wm. Berkley (driver), leading a crippled mule through the streets. Fined ten dollars by Judge Massey. Went to jail in default of fine.

Patrick McCarthy (owner), causing and procuring the above-named offence to be committed. Fined ten dollars by Judge Massey.

Jan. 11[18] Thos. McCormac, setting dogs to fight on the public highway. The offender was requested by a lady to cease urging the dogs to fight but he replied insolently, and encouraged them on the more. While so engaged, he was arrested by one of the Society's officers. Realizing his danger, he commenced to cry for mercy, and even appealed to the land he had insulted. Sentenced to serve five days in jail by Judge Kenna.

Jan. 12[24] F.D. Harris, for cruelly beating a horse. The offender made use of a black-snake whip, and the horse's body was covered with ridges from the effect of the blows. Fined ten dollars by Judge Massey.

Jan. 26 Alfred Wood, carrying live poultry by the legs, with the head hanging down. It is a practice indulged in by pedlars, but owing to the vigilance of our officers is of very rare occurrence. Fined ten dollars. Court of Special Sessions.

Feb. 16[19] John Jenkins, beating a horse on the body with an iron rod, simply because the horse became frightened at a passing object, and shied a little. Fined twenty-five dollars by Judge Kenna. Went to jail in default.

Feb. 22[20] John Barth, Chas. Watson, Jos. Burnham, Benj. Carpenter, Thos. Lewis, James Anderson, John Brown, engaging in, as witnesses to, a cock-fight, at Flushing, L.I. About 10 o'clock on the night of Feb. 22d last, a crowd of ruffians were assembled in a roadside hotel at Flushing, Long Island, to witness a cock-fight. Every thing being in readiness, the so-called sport began, but was suddenly interrupted by the breaking down of doors and windows, and the entrance of a squad of the Society's officers. There were at least a hundred against twelve, hence it will be seen why so few were captured. The distance to court was long, and through a lonely wood, and with the prisoners, pit, and birds seized at the time, the officers had their hands full. Fined fifteen dollars each by Justice McKenna.

Feb. 22 Wm. Hill, for permitting above-named cock-fight to take place on his premises. Fined fifteen dollars by Judge McDonald. *19*

April 16,18,19[35] Patrick Looney, 227 E. 64th Street; Patrick Holohan, 1071 First Ave.; James Lawler, 566 Lexington Ave., for dog-fighting. This offence took place in Bloomingdale Bros'. stables, E. 64th Street. One of the dogs died a few days after being captured by our officers from the terrible wounds received while fighting. Two of the defendants elected to be tried by jury. They were indicted, and, when called for trial before Judge Martine in the Court of General Sessions, requested that their cases be sent to the Court of Special Sessions for trial, presided over by Judges Smith, Kilbreth, and Patterson. Lawler pleaded guilty, but Looney went to trial, which resulted in his conviction. The surviving dog was forfeited to the Society, and is now enjoying the benefits of a good home, and is the pet of his new master. Fined one hundred dollars each by Court of Special Sessions.

April 18. Thos. Welsh, abusing a team of mules. This defendant was drunk at the time, and insisted on his right to do as he pleased with "my own property." Fined ten dollars by Judge Walsh.

April 22.[21] John Ennis, for biting the ear of a dog! The animal, a fine St. Bernard, the pet and playfellow of the children, and general favorite, was sleeping on the floor of his master's saloon, when Ennis, in a half-drunken condition, entered. Accustomed to being petted and stroked by the patrons of the place, the dog remained still when Ennis approached and stooped as if to pat its head, but instead of doing so, he seized one of the ears in his teeth, and before any one could interfere, bit it off. The dog, instead of springing at his cowardly assailant, walked over to where his master stood. At the sight of his mutilated favorite, the first impulse was to take the law into his own hands. Wiser counsel prevailed, however, and the case was reported to the Society. The brutal offender was promptly arrested. He demanded trial by jury, was convicted, and sentenced to the penitentiary for one year, and to pay a fine of five hundred dollars, and to stand committed until the fine shall be paid, by Judge Massey.

April 25. Patrick Cochrane, overloading a horse, which at the time was lame and suffering in its body and limbs. Fined ten dollars by Judge Powers.

May 7. Matt. Cunningham, driving a horse attached to a loaded express wagon while lame, sore, weak, and feeble. Fined ten dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

May 13.[22] Theo. Horstmann, throwing poisoned meat into his next-door neighbor's yard, which was eaten by two dogs, causing their death. The reason assigned for poisoning the animals was that they were annoying. The dogs were small Skye terriers, and never annoyed anyone. Fined one hundred dollars by Court of Special Sessions. *20*

May 20.[23] John Devlin, beating a horse with an iron car-hook. The defendant was a driver on the Belt Road, and while on his up trip the horse got one of his forefeet outside of the trace chain. Devlin, instead of getting off the car and adjusting the trace, attempted to do so from the platform, which he failed to do. Finally, becoming angry, he got down and struck the animal several savage blows with his car-hook, cutting the flesh and laming the horse. Fined twenty-five dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

May 20. George Stolz, beating a cow upon the back with an iron shovel. Fined ten dollars by Judge Goetting.

May 24. Timothy O'Connor, assaulting an officer of the Society while in the discharge of his duty. The officer was engaged in arresting the driver of a horse for cruelly beating the animal, when O'Connor undertook to interfere and attempt a rescue. Fined twenty-five dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

May 24. Nicholas Richter, cruelly beating a horse on the head and body with a whip. The horse was somewhat balky, and Richter, losing his temper, struck it several blows on the head, which made matters worse. He then beat the animal most cruelly on the body, when he was arrested. Fined ten dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

May 25. Jacob Goldsmith, working horse while in a weak and feeble condition. The animal was attached to a truck, heavily loaded with furniture. Fined ten dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

May 27.[25] Hugh Prior, striking horse with iron ice-tongs. The animal refused to back, which so exasperated the driver that he struck the horse several blows with the ice-tongs. Fined ten dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

June 7. Joseph Young, wilfully driving a loaded truck over a horse's foot. Fined ten dollars by Judge Goetting.

June 8. Peter Yosterman, killing canary birds, by throwing at them a flower pot filled with dirt, to annoy the owner. Fined five dollars by Judge Goetting.

June 8.[26] Herman Ulfers, Dog-fighting, Fined ten dollars

John McGibbon, " " "

James McGaly, " " "

Edw. Deegan, " " "

Michael O'Griffin, " " "

Thos. Griffin, " " "

John Griffin, " " "

James Sheehan, " " "

Wm. Betts, " " " *21*

Jeremiah Reardon, Dog-fighting Fined ten dollars

Valentine Mann " " "

Geo. Lippoth, " " "

Jas. McNaney, " " "

John Quinn, " " "

Geo. Grant, " " "

Silas Southworth, " " "

John Kelly, " " "

Patrick Jane " " "

John Connolly, " " "

John Clark, " " "

John Dunnigan, " " "

Geo. McCoy, " " "

Chas. Heath, " Fined twenty dollars

Edw. Holligan, " " "

Chas. Beebe, " " "

Jas. Waitford, " " "

John McGrath, " " "

Thos. McGrath, " " "

Chas. McCarty, " " "

David Munroe, " " "

This dog-fight took place in an underground apartment of a liquor saloon. The above-named offenders were seated on boards arranged in amphitheatre form around the pit, in which the dogs were fiercely fighting. Not a sound was heard but the heavy breathing of the struggling animals. The silence was rudely broken, however, by a crash, the only door leading to the den fell in, and to the consternation of the assembled ruffians a squad of officers entered. The entire gang, with the dogs and implements pertaining to the fight, were seized and taken to the station-house. All of the offenders were convicted and fined as above by Judge Kavanagh. The dogs and other property were forfeited to the Society, pursuant to statute.

June 8.[36] James Crowley, for permitting the above-mentioned dog-fight to take place on his premises. Fined fifty dollars by Judge Kavanagh.

June 10. Zeinich Eichler, thrusting two fingers in the eye of a steer about to be slaughtered. This cruel practice was indulged in to a great extent by butchers' assistants some time ago, but, owing to the vigilance of our officers, is almost entirely suppressed. It is done in order to get the animal's head in better position for execution. Fined ten dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

June 14.[27] Paul Dintle, of Staten Island, for unjustifiably beating a horse with a piece of two-inch board. Fined ten dollars by Judge Casey. *22*

June 14. Hy. Hienon, driving a horse having bleeding sores on body, unprotected from harness. Fined twenty-five dollars by Judge Casey.

June 25. Geo. Carlton, John Murphy, Levi Smith, James Ford, Fred Muller, Geo. Brechter, T.E. Brunner, John Wilson, Ridgewood. These offenders were gathered around a dog-pit, in which two dogs were fiercely fighting, about 12 o'clock at night, in a bar-room at Ridgewood, Long Island. Being in such a lonely place, and so late at night, they imagined themselves safe from intrusion. Suddenly doors and windows were broken down, and, to the consternation of the brutal ruffians, the Society's officers entered the building. The dogs and all the paraphernalia pertaining to the orgie were seized, and, with the prisoners, were taken to the lock-up at Maspeth. Fined ten dollars each by Justice McDonald.

June 25. Charles Harlow, Ridgewood, for permitting the above mentioned fight to take place on his premises. Fined forty dollars by Justice McDonald.

June 28. John Fallon, overdriving a horse, against the express orders of the owner, who prosecuted the offender through the Society. Fined ten dollars by Judge Borkamp and a jury.

July 1. John Jacobs, overdriving a pony. Fined fifteen dollars by Judge McGuire.

July 2. Reinhold Judesleben, beating and kicking a cow having broken legs, because the animal was unable to get up and walk out of the barn. Fined twenty-five dollars by Judge Casey.

July 5. Adolph Mathers, setting a dog to bit and worry a cat, and breaking cat's legs. Fined ten dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

July 6. Edward Murphy, Charles Macey, Waterford, N.Y., overdriving and cruelly beating a horse. Fined twenty-five dollars each by Justice of the Peace.

July 7. John Mackin, driving a horse having sores on body unprotected from harness. Fined fifteen dollars by Judge Casey.

July 8. Emil Florin, Stapleton, S.I., depriving a horse of necessary sustenance, food, and drink. Fined fifteen dollars by Judge McGruder.

July 15. Max Lighte, for keeping cows in crowded and unhealthy stables. Fined thirty dollars by Judge McGruder.

July 16. John Kearney, for keeping, exposing, and refusing to have a horse, diseased with glanders, destroyed, after knowledge of its condition. Fined fifty dollars by Judge Goetting. *23*

July 19. Leopold Wertheim, pushing four calves from his truck to the sidewalk, calves falling on their backs. At the suggestion of the Society, the owner of live-stock-carrying vehicles provided cleated boards for unloading the animals on their arrival at the slaughter-houses. In the absence of our officers, drivers of the trucks invariably omit to use the plank, thinking it too much trouble, and throw the animals out of the vehicle like bundles of wood. This practice is rarely indulged in now. Fined ten dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

July 19. Leser Cohen, 56 Hester street, twisting the wings of fowl and throwing them on stone floor--a cruel practice which some men seem to adopt who handle large numbers of these fowl. Fine five dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

July 26. Wm. O'Sullivan, driving a horse while in a disabled condition. Fined fifty dollars by Judge Casey.

July 30. Adam Wright, newton, L.I., selling a horse diseased with farcy. The horse referred to had been sent to the offender to be killed, he being the official contractor for disposing of such cases. Instead of doing his duty, he sold the diseased animal for three dollars. Fined ten dollars by Judge Scheplon.

Aug. 3[28] Hy. Hillebrand, Brooklyn, inciting a dog to worry and kill a cat. This offender was quite surprised when put under arrest. When asked why he did not prevent his dog from killing the cat, he shrugged his shoulders and replied, "The dog knew his business!" Find twenty five dollars by Judge Goetting.

Aug. 9 Herman Miller Gambritte, S.I., for shooting a rabbit hound whose only offence was going into defendant's yard. Fined twenty-five dollars by Judge Casey.

Aug. 9 James McKorbe, driving a horse having bleeding sores on body unprotected from harness. Fined twenty-five dollars by Judge Casey.

Aug. 9 Tony Weiss, overdriving a horse. It was almost impossible for the animal to go another step when the officer appeared. The horse was completely exhausted. Sentenced to forty days' imprisonment by Judge McGuire.

Aug. 10 Dominick Fallow, beating a horse while in a weak and feeble condition. The animal was harnessed to a partly loaded truck and was evidently in the last stages of exhaustion. He was taken to a stable, fed and groomed, and rested for the night. Fined five dollars by Judge Peterson.

Aug. 12[29] James Donely, Brooklyn, beating a horse with the butt-end of a whip, simply because the animal refused to cross a pile of stones lying in the street. Fined ten dollars by Judge Peterson. *24*

Aug. 13 Joe, Massineo, for overriding and beating a pony with a stick of wood: "to make him go!" was the excuse. Fined twenty-five dollars by Judge Vaughan.

Aug. 14[37] John Fleming, throwing a cat out of a three-story window. Sentenced to twenty days in jail by Judge Goetting.

Aug. 15 Edward Whalen, driving a horse while in a weak and feeble condition. The animal had been in the hospital for several days prior to day of arrest, and instead of being exercised as directed by the veterinary surgeon, the offender compelled the sick animal to draw a loaded truck. Fined five dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

Aug. 17 James Clancey, causing sore-backed horses to be driven. Two sore and disabled horses belonging to this man were stopped the same day. Fined twenty dollars by Judge Tigh.

Aug. 18[30] Michael Green, shooting and wounding a pig, out of spite towards the owner of the animal. Fined fifteen dollars by Justice McDonald.

Aug. 18 Chas. H. Freeman, Wm. Ketcham, John Whalen, and Wm. Koennecker, for beating and overdriving a horse to death. This horse was attached to a truck, and the offenders beat and drove the animal so furiously on the coney Island Road that the horse finally dropped dead. Fined ten, twenty, thirty, and forty dollars, respectively, by Judge Waring.

Aug. 23 Conrad Weiss, stoning chickens and breaking their legs. The defendant amused himself by throwing stones at the poultry of a neighbor, who submitted to the wrong, although several of the animals had been killed outright, before making complaint, for fear of being assaulted. The Society's officer stationed himself behind a fence, and when Weiss commenced his stone-throwing he was promptly arrested. Fined five dollars by Judge Kenna.

Aug. 27 Heinrich Spiaring, overdriving and torturing a horse which was harnessed to a loaded truck. The animal was completely worn out. Fined ten dollars by Judge Casey.

Aug. 31 Joseph A. Rogers, cruelly whipping and overdriving a team of car-horses. About 2 o'clock on the morning of August 31, 1889, two of the Society's officers were patrolling Second Avenue, near 45th Street. There is a steep incline at this place, up which the defendant was galloping and beating his horses, which were attached to a loaded car of the Second Avenue line. When he was told to stop beating the horses, he replied with an oath: "I'll stop when I please!" and at the same time striking the animals several blows with the whip. He was taken off his car and locked up. Fined five dollars by Court of Special Sessions. *25*

Sept. 3 John Schrader, working a disabled horse before a loaded wagon. The horse had large sores on his breast and was very lame. Fined ten dollars, or ten days in jail, by Judge Petersen.

Sept. 5 R. Statenstein, for keeping cows in crowded stalls and filthy stables. The animals were subsequently removed by order of the Society to cleaner and more commodious quarters. Fined twenty-five dollars by Judge McDonald.

Sept. 6[38] Henry Mulz, Brooklyn, biting off the heads of two live kittens, simply to win a wager of a quart of beer, into which he put the decapitated heads of the animals and then drank the liquid. The magistrate, when sentencing the brutal offender, characterized the crime as one of the most atrocious cases of cruelty he had ever known. Sentenced to one year in the penitentiary by Judge Goetting.

Sept. 9 Joseph Hessler, for driving a team of horses, suffering at the time from several sores on the breast, unprotected from the harness. Fined twenty dollars by Judge McDonald.

Sept. 13 Jacob Alferder, beating calves over the head and body with a club. This offence took place in one of the slaughter-houses of this city. It is almost impossible for the Society's officers to enter such places undetected. In this instance, however, the officer entered through a window in the rear of the building, just as the offender was in the act of abusing the animals with a heavy club. Fined ten dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

Sept. 15 Valentine Kager, for cutting the ears of a dog with a pair of scissors; because, as he said, some one dared him to do it for a bet. Fined five dollars by Judge Kenna.

Sept. 16 John Silvey, driving horse with sores on neck and shoulders unprotected from the harness. Fined ten dollars by Judge Corbett.

Sept. 16[31] Philomena Venteer, striking horse on the face with an axe. The wound inflicted was only slight, but the offence was entirely unprovoked, seemingly committed out of pure deviltry. Fined five dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

Sept. 16 Barney McGuire, Brooklyn, selling a horse having the contagious disease known as glanders. Fined thirty dollars by Judge Kenna.

Sept. 17 Frank Musa, driving a horse while lame, weak, and exhausted, also several sores on body under collar and saddle. Fined five dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

Sept. 17 B. Gartens, cruelly beating a horse with a whip. "Because I felt like it!" was his reply, when asked why he whipped the horse. Fined ten dollars by Judge Petersen. *26*

Sept. 21 Charles McDonnell, working a horse while sore, weak, and exhausted. Fined ten dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

Sept. 24 Harry Williams, beating a lame and crippled horse. The poor creature was too weak to drag the loaded truck to which it was attached, and the offender had recourse to an unjustifiable use of the whip. Fined five dollars by Judge Kenna.

Sept. 27 Michael Lissaute, cutting a cat's ears with a razor. The complaint in this case and the defendant were rival barbers, and while the animal--which belonged to the former--was playing on the sidewalk, the defendant coaxed it into his shop and cut its ears. The little creature was found covered with blood, and suffering great pain. The wound was dressed by the Society's officer, and the offender arrested. Fined ten dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

Oct. 8 James Carroll, beating horse with butt-end of whip. Fined five dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

Oct. 11 Chas. Schyole, cutting a cat's ears with a knife, simply because the animal went into the rear shop where the defendant was engaged cutting up meat, he being a butcher. He did not deny the act, saying "I only done it for fun!" Fined ten dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

Oct. 17 Peter Barker, beating horse over the head with butt-end of cowhide. The defendant's excuse, when arrested was: "The horse was balky." The trouble, however, was, the horse was too willing, but the load too heavy; and instead of using ordinary methods by taking off part of the load, he lost his temper and proceeded to abuse the animal as described. Fined five dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

Oct. 25 Chas. Folz, beating a horse over the body with a whip, drawing blood. This offender offered no excuse for his cruelty, in fact, he had none to make. Fined five dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

Oct. 26 Herman Vaupelt and James Devans, shooting and wounding a pet cat belonging to a neighbor. Fined ten dollars each by Judge Casey.

Oct. 28[32] Andw. Organ, leaving a sick horse in the street to die. The animal had fallen from exhaustion, and "not caring to be bothered with the old nag any longer," the offender took off the harness and left the poor creature to its fate. Fined fifteen dollars or fifteen days in the County Jail by Judge Thayer.

Oct. 30 Martin Farrell, abandoning a sick horse to die. The case was one of unusual cruelty. The animal had been sick for some time, and the owner was warned by the Society's officer not to drive it. The advice was ignored, and one morning the horse was found by the offi- *27* cer lying in a vacant lot in a dying condition. The poor creature's sufferings were at once put an end to, and the cruel owner arrested. Fined thirty dollars by Judge Thayer.

Nov. 4 Clarence Cole, driving a lame and disabled horse. Fined fifteen dollars by Judge Butler.

Nov. 4 John Ball, working horse and mule to a canal-boat while sore, weak, and feeble. The animals were in a most deplorable condition, and excited the pity of the bystanders. The poor creatures were put in charge of a veterinary surgeon, and properly cared for. Fined thirty dollars by Justice D.T. Fox.

Nov. 14 Harris Magullis, tying the legs of two turkeys and twisting the wings over the backs, simply to carry the animals more conveniently. Fined five dollars by Court of Special Sessions.

Nov. 15[33] John McCormac, for biting off a live duck's head during a drunken orgie, and to win a bet of a pint of beer. Sent to Penitentiary for six months by Judge Kenna.

Nov. 16[34] John Snyder, for biting off a live turkey's head. This offender thought it a good joke, until arrested and sent for twenty-nine days to the Penitentiary by Judge Kenna.

Nov. 19 Martin J. Lennon, neglecting to care for a disabled horse. Fined five dollars by Judge Peterson.

Nov. 19 Henry Evans, working a horse while lame and unfit for any use. This horse was attached to a heavy load of stone, and, when stopped by the officer, was hardly able to move along. Fined fifteen dollars by Judge Mulholland.

Nov. 27 Geo. Herbold, N.Y. City, overloading a horse, and compelling the animal to pull the heavily loaded vehicle up a steep hill. Fined ten dollars by Judge Powers.

Nov. 29 Adolph Klein, for abandoning a sick horse to die in a vacant lot. The poor creature had been driven nearly all day before being left to its fate. Fined twenty-five dollars by Judge Thayer.

Dec. 9 Morris Rosenthal, for driving a horse while lame and sore. Fined forty dollars by Judge Casey.

_____________________________________

*1* The American Society

For The

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Incorporated by the State of New York

April 10, 1866.

_______________

THIRTY-NINTH ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1904.

JOHN P. HAINES, President

___________

HEADQUARTERS OF THE SOCIETY.

MADISON AVENUE AND 26TH STREET

NEW YORK

1905

*3* OFFICERS AND BOARD OF MANAGERS

OF

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR THE

PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO

ANIMALS

_____________

1905

_____________

President.

JOHN P. HAINES.

Vice-Presidents

BENJAMIN D. HICKS. JOSEPH H. CHOATE.

REV. MORGAN DIX, S.T.D. JAMES GRANT WILSON

FREDERICK GALLATIN. WILLIAM FAHNESTOCK.

ALFRED WAGSTAFF. JOEL B. ERHARDT.

JOHN CLAFLIN. REV. PERCY STICKNEY GRANT.

Executive Committee.

BENJAMIN D. HICKS. REV. PERCY STICKNEY GRANT.

JOSEPH H. CHOATE. GORDON KNOX BELL.

JAMES GRANT WILSON HORACE W. CARPENTIER.

WILLIAM FAHNESTOCK. WILLIAM H. BALDWIN, JR.

JOHN MASON KNOX. FREDERICK G. BOURNE.

REV. MORGAN DIX, S.T.D. FREDERIC R. COUDERT.

FREDERIC GALLATIN. WILLIAM M. K. OLCOTT.

GEORGE B. McCLELLAN.

Secretary and Treasurer.

JOHN MASON KNOX.

_______________

Counsel. Attorneys.

STRONG & CADWALADER. J. MAYHEW WAINWRIGHT.

CROWLEY WENTWORTH.

Superintendent. Veterinary Surgeon.

CHARLES H. HANKINSON. SAMUEL K. JOHNSON.

BROOKLYN OFFICE:

13 Willoughby Street.

Attorney.

GEORGE F. ELLIOTT. *5*

ADDRESS OF THE PRESIDENT

_______________

Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is often said that nothing is so successful as success; but even success is apt to be attended with undesirable consequences. It is success, and not failure, that inspires envy and the spirit of envious detraction. It is success, and not failure, that arouses the jealousy of disappointed or ungratified, but always selfish, ambition, and "jealousy is cruel as the grave."

For years past our Society has been made to feel the truth of these observations, but never more keenly than during the year which has just closed. It is a simple fact, easily to be verified by any candid person who will take the trouble to investigate our operations, that the work of this Society, local and general, is more varied in character, more complicated in its details, and enormously greater in its aggregate than that of any other similar society in the world. In saying so I do not mean to disparage the only other society with which our own Society can be justly compared. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in England excels us in the amount of its general work; but it has no such local work as ours, and the local work of this Society is enormously greater than that which is done in connection with the Battersea Home for Lost Dongs in London, though that excellent institution has the assistance of the entire metropolitan police of London, while our own work is done exclusively by our own employees. To put it briefly, the work of The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty *6* to Animals is in some respects greater than that of both of those admirable institutions, while our general work, I trust, may yet enter into a friendly rivalry with that of the Royal Society.

Unfortunately these very facts have made enemies for us. Persons who, in all their lives, have never been known to take the slightest interest in the work of animal protection, are eager, now that our cause has won the sympathy and touched the conscience of the public, would fain become the champions of a victorious cause, and find an easy way to notoriety, if not to fame, by proposing themselves as substitutes for the Society which has fought the good fight and won the battle. When these persons shall have done something more than tell the public of the great things they intend to do, it may be worth while to answer their voluminous and vociferous assaults upon a society which has been too intent upon its proper work to pay much attention to its detractors. Until that time these apostles of large promise but of no performance must be classed with Mr. Snodgrass in the famous battle of Ipswich, when that gallant gentleman threw off his coat and told the people to stand back because he was just going to begin!

Some of these large newspaper promises have already had a fair trial followed by dismal failure, not always, by any means, through ill-intent, but simply because of inexperience and ill-founded self-confident. Like everything else in modern society, the work of animal protection, however simple it may seem, is difficult and complicated. None of the many works of humanity and charity which adorn the progress of the present age requires more constant attention to details or a more systematic arrangement of its operations. The advantage of our Society in the prosecution of its duties at the present time lies very largely in the systematic methods which have grown up year by year at the suggestion of a large and unique experience. I think I might go so far as to say that those methods are not only systematic but scientific; and that is why the work seems to outsiders to be so easy that any tyro *7* might succeed in it. One rather striking illustration of this error occurred not long ago in the establishment of an institution with an attractive name, which promised all sorts of great things, and succeeded only in causing much additional suffering to a few hundred of wretched creatures which ought to have been mercifully destroyed. It was almost a matter of course that this well-meant but disastrous expedient was publicly announced to be necessary because of glaring neglect on the part of our Society.

In another way success in such work as ours brings bitter opposition. The final expulsion of pigeon shooting from the State of New York made for us hundreds of bitter enemies, not so much among sportsmen as among craftsmen whose trade was injured by the stoppage of that inhuman butchery. A similar success in New Jersey made us many enemies in that State; and the stoppage of the inhuman hunting of a poor fawn by a pack of dogs, slight as that incident was in the operations of a Society like ours, brought down upon us a relentless newspaper persecution in which the columns of the press were plied in the circulation of complaints and accusations for which there were no foundations.

Meanwhile the Society has kept on its accustomed way, doing its duty, and doing it, I think, successfully.

The Young Defenders' League has grown steadily and far more rapidly than could have been anticipated, the increase in the City of New York alone during the past year being over 20,000. I do not, of course, imagine that every one of these Young Defenders is either intelligent or active in the protection of animals; but I do say as a matter of knowledge that the thousands who have joined the Young Defenders' League have made, and are now making, a deep impression upon the children of this great city in favor of justice and kindness to dumb creatures.

Few things could more clearly or more painfully demonstrate the success of the Society in its local work than the preposterous demands which are made upon it. In the winter of 1903-4, when the extraordinary severity of the weather made the streets *8* of New York almost impassable for man or beast, there was great suffering to horses; and then, to read the complaints in the newspapers, one would have thought that our Society was to blame for the heaps of snow and ice which caused the trouble; also that our Society was to blame because people would not provide their horses with proper shows as we had over and over again urged them to do; and then it was seriously contended that this Society ought to sand the slippery streets of the city from end to end, and so prevent immense suffering to animals. We did indeed provide bags of sand which were given gratuitously to all drivers who would take them, and along with them printed instructions for its use. But to sand the streets of New York! I wonder whether even you, ladies and gentlemen, have any idea of the meaning of that undertaking? In the first place, we should not have been allowed to do it; for the care of the streets belongs to the Commissioner of Highways and the commissioner of Street Cleaning, and while our Society has the honor to be a servant of the State within its won definitely restricted line of duty, it is not permitted to supersede the authorities of State or City in their several departments.

Suppose, however, that this sanding of the streets of the City of New York had been within our province, how much do you suppose it would have cost? In the Boroughs of Manhattan, Bronx and Brooklyn, not including the Boroughs of Queens and Richmond, of Greater New York, there are 990 miles of paved streets, and it is estimated the sand and labor alone would have cost $16 per mile each time that it was used during the many weeks of that dreadful winter.

Another of our difficulties is the enormous number of frivolous complaints that are sent day by day to the Society, often through the post-office, and still oftener by telephone. From time to time a complaint appears in a newspaper that some one has telephoned to the Society, and that his call has not been instantly attended to. The complaint, of course, is sometimes perfectly just; for our force of employees is limited, and the *9* calls upon us are almost innumerable. But the most vexatious thing of all is that, when our men investigate these complaints, it is found in over seventy-five cases out of every hundred that the complaint is frivolous. Even when these calls ask us to send an ambulance to remove sick or disabled small animals, in thirty-five cases out of every hundred the ambulance driver finds no disabled animal to be removed! Only a few years ago our Society had no such trouble as that. Our difficulty was to get the public to cooperate with us by giving notice of cases in which our intervention was required. Now, the trouble is that a too appreciative public expects us to be everywhere and to go everywhere, even when there is nothing to be done, and so it comes to pass that literally three-fourths of the calls answered by our hard-worked force are merely idle and the work of answering them is wasted.

I shall now report to you the statistics of our work done during the past year, so far as it is possible to report it in that way:

1904 1903

Arrests and prosecutions .......................................... 753 587

Animals suspended from labor .................................. 4,499 3,041

Horses, mules and other large animals, disabled past re-

covery, humanely destroyed ............................ 4,287 4,288

Small animals, homeless or disabled past recovery,

humanely destroyed ...................................... 81,865 83,012

Disabled horses and other large animals removed from

the streets in ambulances ................................ 710 544

Cases investigated ................................................. 41.055 39,236

Horses examined .................................................. 63,285 ........

In the arrests and prosecutions you will perceive that there has been an increase of something over 28 per cent, over the number reported in 1903; in the number of animals suspended from labor, very nearly 48 per cent; in the number of large animals removed from the streets in ambulances, an increase of 30 per cent. The number of animals large and small that have been humanely destroyed remains about the average. The number of cases investigated is also about the average. A new *10* item which I have thought it proper to introduce is that of "Horses Examined" in the streets to discover whether they are suffering from concealed sores or any malady which would justify their suspension from labor. The number of these examinations reported is 63,285; that is 1,217 per week, and an average of 173 on every day of the year.

Another part of our work, the value of which cannot be estimated in figures, nor perhaps in any other way, is the educational work of the Society, and especially the modest magazine which appears under the title of OUR ANIMAL FRIENDS. Our occasional leaflets have been found exceedingly useful; but our magazine has been simply invaluable as the expounder of our cause. Many a contribution has come to us through its influence, and yet it hardly ever begs. It has won many a fair-minded man to our side by its plain statements of fact, and its plain exposition of the reasons of our course. Its unsparing exposures of fraudulent self-seeking in attempted raids upon the public treasury has defeated many a scheme in which animal protection was the cloak of jobbery. Over and over again, when some great battle for animal protection has been going on, a free distribution of OUR ANIMAL FRIENDS among the press of the country has enabled editors to judge for themselves of the merits of the matter in dispute, and has never failed to win able advocates of our cause. Thus this small magazine has really served as sword and shield in many a bygone contest; and it still remains as useful and as indispensable as ever.

Ladies and gentlemen, I have only one more small matter to mention to you: I mean the new button of our Society -- a pin for women, and for men a handsome button for the coat lapel. I have found that many members of our Society desired a button of that kind, and I trust that in the years to come it may be worn by many of you. It is not intended to be sold, nor even to be given away. It is to remain the property of the Society, and to be returned to the Society in case the wearer dies, or resigns. This matter has been fully explained in OUR ANIMAL *11* FRIENDS and needs no further discussion. I trust, however, that, ere long, thousands of our friends may proclaim their approbation of our cause by wearing the emblem of our Society. I wish you all a Happy New Year.

JOHN P. HAINES,

President

December 31, 1904. *12*

REPORT OF THE TREASURER

______________

New York, January 1, 1905

To The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals:

The Treasurer begs to submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1904, showing a Cash Balance on hand of $11,068.55.

Respectfully,

JOHN MASON KNOX,

Treasurer. *14*

JOHN MASON KNOX, Treasurer, in account with THE AMERICAN

CURRENT INCOME AND EXPENDITURES FOR

DR.

To Cash balance, Dec. 31, 1903 .............................................. $ 2,404.40

" Bequests, Chas. H. Meeker .................................... $ 519.81

Frida Wolff ........................................... 530.00

Lena Offenbach ...................................... 100.00

Ida Elkins ............................................. 100.00

Maria A. Rickhow .................................. 2,300.00

Hanrietta Jennings .................................. 950.00

Amanda M. Coe .................................... 3,764.72

Geo. Gardener Grennell .......................... 18,885.30

27,149.83

" Members' Dues and General Donations .................................. 13,204.55

" Fines ............................................................................ 8,575.95

" Rentals, Dividends, Interest, Licenses, etc. ............................. 86,630.34

$137,965.07

We, the undersigned, have examined the foregoing accounts of the Animals, and have verified the same by the Society's books and vouchers. *15*

SOCIETY FOR THE PREVENTION OF CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.

THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1904.

CR.

By Disbursements from Jan. 1, 1904, to date: General Maintenance,

including Light, Fuel, Postage, Salaries, etc. .............. $33,370.65

[presumably this includes the full salaries for 22 full time special agents]

" Equipment and Maintenance of New York Shelter ................. 35,361.56

Brooklyn Shelter ................... 17,178.38

Richmond Shelter .................. 6,417.50

" Brooklyn Office: Maintenance .................................... 6,672.30

" Ambulance House, New York: Maintenance, including Feed,

Food, and Medicine for Homeless and Abandoned

Animals; debit balance ......................................... 359.38

" Ambulance House, Brooklyn: Maintenance, including Feed,

Food, and Medicine for Homeless and Abandoned

Animals; debit balance ......................................... 64.21

" Repairs to Real Estate, Rent, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance .... 5,495.83

" Legal Expenses ........................................................... 3,644.92

" Fountain Account ........................................................ 877.82

" Humane Literature ...................................................... 9,478.61

" Stationery, Printing, Annual Report, etc. ........................... 2,967.02

" Ullmann Estate: Mrs. Thayer ......................................... 700.00

" Young Defenders' League, debit balance ........................... 232.00

" Library Account ......................................................... 159.77

" Lecture Fund ............................................................. 989.48

" Deposits on Badges ..................................................... 20.00

" Horse Hat Account, debit balance .................................... 230.95

" Furniture and Fixture Account ........................................ 551.50

" Sand Bag Account, debit balance ..................................... 44.70

" Uniform Account ........................................................ 46.92

" Water Basins for Dogs and Cats Account, debit balance ......... 330.25

" Real Estate, Stapleton ................................................... 1,702.55

" Cash Balance, Dec. 31, 1904 .......................................... 11,068.55

$137,965.07

Treasurer of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to

FREDERICK G. BOURNE, )

WILLIAM FAHNESTOCK,) Auditing Committee.

WILLIAM M. K. OLCOTT,) *16*

REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT

_______________

It is impossible in the limited space and time allotted to give even a condensed report of the whole year's work of the Society. The statistical report is a strong proof of the Society's activity, but the amount of animal suffering that has been prevented and alleviated cannot be estimated or realized except by those who have taken an active part in the work and assisted in its accomplishment.

Cruelty is not always caused through wantonness. Ignorance and carelessness are very often the causes which lead to animal abuse; our asphalt paved streets are responsible for more than two-thirds of animal suffering.

Observe a horse after walking on stone pavement suddenly step on asphalt, and you will notice a change instep and movement of the body. The animal realizes it must be wary and careful of its footsteps. It is a mistaken belief that sharp caulks or the roughened iron shoe prevents falling. If a horse is not provided with rubber pads, or the streets adequately sprinkled with sand or ashes during the slippery weather, the animal had better be kept in the stable, for there is no foothold for feet shod only with iron. In my opinion, the best solution of the subject is for some Department of the City Government to thoroughly sand the asphalt pavements when the streets are slippery and dangerous for horse travel.

UNREASONABLE DEMANDS.

During the past year the Society has been held responsible for many conditions of affairs over which it had no control. *17* We have been censured for allowing asphalted streets to exist and for not having them sanded when slippery; for permitting defective pavements to exist, and in one instance for not having a certain street provided with electric lights instead of gas, so as to insure safe passage for horses. We have been berated for unavoidable delay on the part of the agents to respond to calls, and charged with neglect and indifference if a report of the investigation of a complaint does not show that the person complained of was punished, even though the information given was too vague to enable the Society to follow the investigation up or the charge was found to be frivolous or unsubstantiated. Yet every complaint is attended to when the information given is sufficient to base an investigation on.

While self-appointed workers are helpful in many respects, they are often inefficient from lack of experience and practical judgment. Unwise discrimination and hasty action on the part of unreasonable people very often bring much suffering to the object sought to be benefitted.

Horses fall and get up without assistance, yet many instances occur, where from no reason whatsoever, drivers have been detained in order to have their horses examined by an Agent of the Society, simply to gratify a desire for brief notoriety.

It does not follow that because a horse is thin in flesh it is for the want of food, neither does lameness in every case indicate physical suffering. Volunteer workers in the cause of animal protection should not act hastily, nor allow their imagination to control their judgment.

Many horses are ruined by incompetent drivers, and much cruelty inflicted by minors who should not be permitted to have the custody of animals at any time. There should be an ordinance enacted prohibiting any one under 21 years of age from driving horses through the streets of a city, and persons employing minors to drive or have custody of horses should be held criminally responsible. *18*

Since the passing away of the "Rocks," known as the horse market, the business of swapping, trading and selling horses is now conducted in a more cental part of the Borough of Manhattan. To this place equines of every color and physical ailment are brought twice a week. The young, old, lame, wind-broken, spavined, sprung of limb, all have a price. Many will not be permitted inside the market proper on account of poor physical condition, so have to take the chance of being disposed of on the outside.

Two Agents of the Society are assigned to attend each sale day. Their presence means the ending of further physical suffering for many an aged, worn-out horse, whose days of usefulness are over. Only those familiar with the methods employed by unscrupulous horse dealers can realize to what extent they will go in order to impose a useless horse upon an ignorant purchaser.

Our Agents are men of experience and when in their opinion a horse is past further use the owner usually consents to having the animal destroyed.

It is only a question of the very near future when the sale of old worn-out horses will be a thing of the past, as is the "Rocks," which, for over half a century, was the rendezvous for gypsies and horse traders.

POISONING ANIMALS

A number of horses have been poisoned by malicious persons, out of revenge or fancied injury done to them by rival truck men. It is impossible to get the necessary legal evidence to convict the miscreant guilty of the cowardly crime.

In one case, ten horses belonging to one person were poisoned; five of them died, but the others were saved by a veterinary surgeon. The person suspected, Israel Felman, was placed on trial and many witnesses for the prosecution were *21* sworn, but none of them could testify of their own knowledge that the act was committed by the defendant, and for lack of evidence he was acquitted.

Several other similar cases were prosecuted by the Society with the same result. Rewards have been offered for information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of persons exposing poisonous substance, "with the intent that it shall be taken by an animal," but while many applicants have claimed the reward, all have failed to furnish evidence such as is the required.

Many cases of dog and cat poisoning have also been investigated. In this class of cases it is almost impossible to find the perpetrator, as it is so easy for any one so inclined to scatter poisoned food without fear of detection.

COCK AND DOG FIGHTS

Thirty-three persons were arrested in a private stable located on Union Street in the Borough of Brooklyn while engaged in witnessing a cock fight. The pit and other paraphernalia, including 25 live and 4 dead game cocks, were captured at the time of the raid, and forfeited pursuant to the statute in such cases made and provided. All of the defendants plead guilty and were sentenced to pay a fine of $10.00 each, with the exception of two, who were convicted as principals and sentenced to pay a fine of $100.00 each.

Deputy Sheriffs of Otsego County raided a road house situated on the outskirts of the town of Richfield Springs, and arrested eighteen spectators standing around the pit in which two birds were fighting. Eight game cocks, with the two found in the pit, were captured and sent to headquarters. All the prisoners plead guilty and were sentenced to pay a fine of $10.00 each, with the exception of one, who was fined $15.00, being a principal.

Through the vigilance of our Special Agents and Sheriffs of *22* other counties of the State, many cock and dog fights were prevented.

In one instance fighting cocks and a pit were found in a room with other evidence of a contemplated cock fight, but the officers found no persons in the room, although many were gathered in the barroom and other parts of the building. After taking possession of the seventeen birds and paraphernalia about to be used for the violation of the law, the crowd was disbursed and the proprietor of the hotel warned that he would be prosecuted if he permitted his place to be used for the purpose of violating the law.

An improvised dog fight was gotten up in a rear basement on Mulberry Street, this Borough, and our Agent arrested two full-grown boys who were present, engaged in inciting the dogs to fight. There being no evidence of a premeditated dog fight, the defendants were discharged and the dogs forfeited to the Society.

STOCK YARDS AND SLAUGHTER HOUSES.

Our Agents visit the livestock yards and slaughter houses daily. The handling of large cattle is done in a careful manner, with a view to preventing any injury or suffering to the animals.

Calves, sheep, hogs and milch cows are unloaded from the cars and put under cover, where they are fed and properly cared for, pending removal to final destination.

POULTRY.

Dealers in live poultry generally respect the laws pertaining to the carrying of poultry in a humane manner, and provide crates of sufficient size to carry the animals without discomfort. Food and drink are also provided on arrival at the market.

The traffic, however, requires constant vigilance on the part *23* of the Society, in order that truck men engaged in conveying animals from place to place do not handle them in a careless or cruel manner.

STABLES.

The proper sanitary conditions are essential for the health and comfort of horses cannot be doubted, yet horses have been found in underground places, devoid of light and ventilation and no adequate means of escape for the animals in case of fire.

Several of these so-called stables have been condemned and horses removed owing to the vigorous action taken by the Society.

In other cases horse owners have been appealed to and given practical advice regarding the care of their animals, and the necessity for comfortable, well-ventilated stables.

It is gratifying to report that our suggestions in many instances have been acted upon with good results.

AMBULANCE AND DERRICK WORK.

The demands upon this department of our work have been very great during the last year. Five horses and two steers were rescued from drowning by the use of the life-saving apparatus, and the ambulances for the transportation of sick and injured large animals have been in service almost daily.

CANALS.

Our local Agents resident along the line of the canals of the State have been active and vigilant. Their presence on the tow-path from time to time, followed by the examination of horses and mules hauling boats, serve as a warning to those inclined to use lame and sore animals. A few teams were suspended from labor owing to temporary disability. *24*

SUMMARY.

Excavations, markets, ferries, depots, hack stands, racetracks and places of amusement, where animals are employed, have been visited from time to time by our uniformed and plain clothes Agents, and everything has been done to prevent the abuse of animals and to enforce the laws of the State for their protection.

In presenting this report the opportunity is afforded me to acknowledge the many courtesies extended to the Society and its Agents from time to time by every Department of the Government, and to express appreciation of the interest taken in the Society's work by City Magistrates as evinced by the disposition of cases of cruelty to animals brought before them.

Likewise to the Justices of the Courts of Special Sessions individually and collectively for their expressed sympathy with the Society and interest in the humane work in which it is engaged, and for its dumb clients who appeal to the Court for justice.

Also to the District Attorney and his able assistants for the hearty cooperation with the Society in the prosecution of its work.

It is my painful duty to report the death of two of the Society's working force, namely, Inspector Frank O. Clark and Special Agent Alonzo S. Evans.

The former died May 13th, 1904. He was appointed a Special Agent October 31st, 1874, by the late President Bergh, and subsequently promoted by President Haines to be inspector and put in charge of the Brooklyn Department of the work, where he continued in active service, attending to his duties up to a few weeks before his death. He was zealous and faithful in the discharge of his duties pertaining to his office.

Alonzo S. Evans, Special Agent No. 1, died December 30th, 1904. On July 19th, 1871, he was appointed by the late President Bergh to be Special Agent, and from then until a short time before his death daily reported for duty. Her was iden- *27* tified with many of the most important cases prosecuted by the Society and was a faithful and reliable officer.

In conclusion, I refer with pleasure to the efficiency of all the Agents under my command. They are men of long experience, and have a thorough and practical knowledge of the laws for the protection of animals and the mode of procedure in case of arrest. They are competent to render first aid to an injured animal and to humanely end its suffering if the occasion should require.

They are intelligent, painstaking, self-respected and devoted to the Society's interest and work.

Respectfully submitted,

CHARLES H. HANKINSON,

Superintendent. *28*

THE FOLLOWING ARE A FEW OF THE CASES PROSECUTED DURING THE YEAR 1904, SELECTED WITH SOME VIEW TO SHOWING THE DIFFERENT PHASES OF CRUELTY WITH WHICH THE SOCIETY HAS TO CONTEND:

[1] The Society's Special Agent at Cooperstown, N.Y, was called to investigate a peculiarly sad case of cruelty to animals at Portlandville, N.Y., on complaint of a resident of that village. Dr. Thomas J. Evans, the offender, is an aged physician in practically destitute circumstances and living in Portlandville in an old, heavily-mortgaged building, formerly used as a hotel. A son of Dr. Evans, who lives in the West, is the owner of a farm of ninety acres one mile from Portlandville, and on that farm several cows and a horse have been kept by old Evans exposed to the intense cold of the past winter, and practically starving. Some of the animals have died of starvation. The Society's agent found the miserable barn in which they were on the farm in a state of filth. The cows were so tied that they were standing with their hind quarters almost three feet higher than their fore quarters. The sliding doors of the bar were only partly drawn together. They had no been closed in years. At the time of investigation the temperature registered about thirty degrees below zero. On questioning the people of the neighborhood who were acquainted with Evans, our agent learned the reason of the long-deferred complaint at last being made. It seems that on several occasions Evans has been warned of his danger of arrest on the charge of cruelty, and has brought the stock to the village and housed it in a better barn near his home; but after a time he returned the animals to the farm, where in the severest weather he did not go to feed or to water them. Evans was arrested by a constable on a warrant and was taken to Milford. Before the Justice's Court, Evans pleaded guilty, waiving his right to counsel. Taking into consideration the destitute condition of the prisoner and the fact that at the end of six months the mortgage on his home will be foreclosed and he will be obliged to live with his son, the committing magistrate sentenced Evans *29* to six months' imprisonment in the Albany Penitentiary, the sentence to be suspended for good behavior. Evans was then severely reprimanded by the Court and warned to care properly for the animals during the time that they will be in his charge. On the first word of complaint he will have to suffer the penalty imposed by the Court.

A SPECIAL AGENT of the Society arrested Bernard Ford for driving a very lame horse. Arraigned before Justices Keady, Fleming and Fitzgerald, in the Second Division of the Special Sessions Court, Ford said that the animal had been laid up for five months, and that he was merely exercising him. The Court, however, found him guilty, and imposed a fine of $20, with twenty days in jail as an alternative.

[2] For transporting living chickens, tied by their feet to the sides of a wagon, with their heads hanging down outside, a Special Officer of the Society arrested Pasquale Emanuele. Emanuele was in prison for four days before he could get bail. This fact was taken into consideration by Justices Wyatt, McKean and Hinsdale, of the First Division of the Court of Special Sessions, when the case came before them. They fined the prisoner only $10, with the alternative of fiv