April is National Pet Month
Britain is often called a nation of animal lovers and April's documents of the month reflect our long term care and love of our pets.
The picture is taken from a collection of glass plate negatives showing images of Abbotsbury at the beginning of the 20th Century (reference: D.2064 Box 3/25). The collection gives a fascinating insight into rural life in Dorset at this time.
Unfortunately, we do not know who the man in the picture is, or the names of his delightful dogs. But our staff have suggested names for the dogs that range from Hue and Cry, Holmes and Watson or possibly Bertie and Gertie.
The second image is of a licence, dated 1935, for Nathaniel Yates to keep one dog (reference: D.2047/5/1). The cost of the licence was 7 shillings and 6 pence, which is about £14 in today's money.
The penalty for having a dog without a licence was £5 at that time, which is equivalent to about £185 today. The reverse of the licence sets out the symptoms of rabies, which includes the warning that owners should listen out for their dogs 'ordinary bark being replaced by a peculiar howl.' The dog licence was not abolished until 1987.
National Pet Month aims to promote responsible pet ownership and to make people aware of the benefits of pets for people, and people for pets. It also aims to raise awareness of the role, value and contribution to society of working companion animals.
