Page:Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management.djvu/2145

Rh Within the Metropolis the police have power to seize any stray dog and deal with it as above. Moreover, the time within which it may be sold or destroyed if not reclaimed is, in all cases, limited to three days, and notice is only required to be sent to the owner if his name and address appear on the dog's collar.

Muzzling orders may be made by the Board of Agriculture or by the local authority. As the result of an order issued by the Board of Agriculture and the regulations made thereunder by the London County Council, no dog within the area under the control of the latter authority is allowed to be in any public place unmuzzled unless it is under the control of some person and wearing a collar upon which the name and address of the owner is legibly inscribed. And if found at large contrary to these regulations the dog may be seized by the police and destroyed at the end of three days, if not previously claimed, or if it be diseased, it may be destroyed forthwith. In neither case is any notice to the owner required to be given.

The importation of dogs from abroad, except from Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, is prohibited unless a licence has been obtained from the Board of Agriculture; for which application should be made to 4, Whitehall Place, London.

Trespass by animals.—It is very doubtful if the owner is liable for any damage done by a dog or a cat while trespassing, as for instance by disturbing or killing game, unless it be shown that he knew that the animal had a mischievous propensity to do that which is complained of.

Killing of animals while trespassing.—Unlawfully and maliciously killing or wounding a dog or other animal kept for domestic purposes is a criminal offence. But the killing or wounding of such animal will be justifiable if not done maliciously but in the bonâ fide belief that it was necessary for the protection of person or property, and that it was the only way in which it could be protected.

Poisoning animals.—Placing poisoned meat for the purpose of destroying animals is also a criminal offence, except it be to destroy animals such as rats or other small vermin, either in a building or in the garden or drains attached to it. In the case of a drain, it must be so protected as to prevent any dog from entering it.

Advertising for stolen or lost dogs, etc.—If in a public advertisement offering a reward for the return of a dog or other property which has been stolen or lost, there are any words purporting that "no question will be asked," the person who issued the advertisement, and the printer or publisher of it will be liable to forfeit the sum of £50 to any person who sues for it.

BANKING Cheques, General Provisions with Regard to.—A cheque may be drawn on any form or description of paper, but must comply with the following requirements:

1. Must sufficiently indicate who is the banker requested to pay it, and where it is to be presented for payment.

2. Must state the sum to be paid. This should, but need not necessarily, be stated in words as well as figures. If it be expressed in both ways and there is a discrepancy between the two, the amount payable will be that which is expressed in words.

3. Must be payable on demand, either to, or to the order of, a specified person or to bearer.

A cheque payable, when endorsed with the name of the person to whose order it was drawn, becomes payable to bearer. The endorsement in such cases is said to be "in blank," as distinguished from a special endorsement to some other person or his order. Where a cheque has been endorsed in blank