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33

American Society for the Preventing of Cruelty to Animals

New York Sep 17. 1868

Hon J.T. Hoffman
Mayor

Dear Sir,

On the 13th, of April last, I had the honor to address you a note, by order of the Executive Committee of the Society; requesting the reduction of the reward offered for the delivery of dogs at the Pound, [foot?] of 25th St to 25 cents, and forbidding persons under 18 years of age, from engaging in their capture.

The grounds of this application were, that the wholesale slaughter of those animals was not [required?] by the security of the public; and that its continuance tended to the demoralization of those engaged in it - principally children - while at the same time it fosters another expenditure of public money, without adequate advantage. In support of the theory which prompted the communication referred to: I cited at the time the highest authorities, condemning the practice in a sanitary point & moral point of view.

To this request you were pleased to accede; and my present purpose is to show, that the intelligent humanity thus manifested by you, has been justified by actual results.

The published Report of those in charge of the Dog Pound, states that 938 dogs were received, during the season just closed; costing to the city [$936 " 84/100?] in lieu of [6.763?] destroyed at a [cost?] of [$3828 " 90/100?] in the summer [of?] 1867.

[illegible] 2nd of Sept I [illegible] the [illegible] [letter?] [illegible]