Dog-Pits.
Of the demoniacal use of the dog in the
fighting-pits
, and the atrocities that were committed there, I will not now speak. These places were frequented by few others than the lowest of the low. Cruelties were there inflicted that seemed to be a libel on human nature; and such was the baneful influence of the scene, that it appeared to be scarcely possible for any one to enter these pits without experiencing a greater or less degree of moral degradation.
The public dog-pits have now been put down; but the system of dog-fighting, with most of its attendant atrocities, still continues. There are many more low public-houses than there used to be pits, that have roomy places behind, and out of sight, where there are regular meetings for this purpose. Those among the neighbours who cannot fail of being annoyed and disgusted by the frequent uproar, might give a clue to these dens of infamy; and the depriving of a few of the landlords of their license would go a great way towards the effectual suppression of the practice.
Would it be thought possible that certain of our young aristocracy keep fighting-dogs at the repositories of various dealers in the outskirts of the metropolis; and that these animals remain there, as it were, at livery, the owners coming at their pleasure, and making and devising what matches they think proper?
However disgraceful it may be, it is actually the fact. Here is a field for "the suppression of cruelty!"
[Contents]/[Detailed Contents, p. 4]/[Index]