otherwise disposed of in a humane manner. The recent pensioning by the 

 United States o-overnnicnt of a horse that had been in its ser\-ice for twenty 

 years was noticed in the newspapers generally, and the action of the gov- 

 ernment was inxariablv praised. It seems almost impossible that a person, 

 firm or corjxiration should use a horse for ten, fifteen or even twenty years, 

 and then wdien he is old and worn-out, sell him for a small price to the first 

 pedlar or other purchaser who comes along; and yet this is frequently done. It 

 is often said that a horse too old or too unsound for city work might be or 

 should be sent t(^ a farm in the country, but a farm is usually about the worst 

 place that could be selected for a horse used to the good feeding and comforts 

 of a city stable. Horses on farms, as a rule, receive less grain and less care 

 and are more exposed to cold than any other horses in the world. 



In New York a law was passed two years ago authorizing the jiension- 

 ing of fire department horses, and the following law was passed la>l }ear by 

 the Mas'^achusetts Legislature: 



[Chap. 133.] 



AN ACT RELATIVE TO THE" DISPOSITIOX OF CERTAIN 



HORSES OWNED BY CITIES AND TOWNS. 



Be' if enacted, etc.. as follozvs: 



Section t. Whenever any horses used in the fire department, tlic p'dice 

 department, the street or sanitary department, or any other dei)artment of 

 any citv or town shall, bv rea'^on of disability or disease, become unfit for use 

 till -ein. the commissioner or other officer having charge of sucli depart- 

 ment, in cities with the appro\-al of the mayor, and in t()wns with the approval 

 of tlie selectmen, instead of causing such horses to be sold, may trau'^fer- 

 them to the custody of the charitable society incorporated tmdcr the name 

 of Red Acre h^arm. Incorporated, or to any other charitable socict\- incor- 

 porated in this commonwealth for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or 

 for the care and ]irotection of dumb animals, if the society is willing to 

 accejjt the custody- thereof, to be disposed of in such manner as the saiil 

 society mav deem best; prorided, that the society upon receix'ing an\- sucli 

 horse shall give a written agreeiuent not to sell the horse or to let the same 

 for hire. If any horse so received shall thereafter be sold or let for hire. 

 the proceeds of such sale or letting shall be the propert)- of the city nr town. 

 and custody of the horst' >hall revert to the citv or town. 



