Animals: Dead Hand

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On her deathbed last July, a Mrs. Charles Winterman of Los Angeles called her Veterinary C. A. White and said to .him: "I want you to kill Pride, Molly, Gloria, Silver Top and Silver Tail when I am dead."

Pride, Molly, Gloria, Silver Top and Silver Tail were two Irish setters, a cocker spaniel and two Persian cats, all in fine condition. Dying Mrs. Winterman told Veterinary White that she had cared so much for the animals she scarcely ever allowed them out of the grounds or permitted them to become acquainted with anybody. They would be unhappy with anyone but her, she said.

When Veterinary White prepared to carry out his client's orders, Los Angeles stirred with sharp protest. The evening Herald launched a crusade to save the animals. A Mrs. Nancy T. White of Manhattan, visiting in Los Angeles, hired an attorney, who obtained a writ to prevent the execution. A date was set for the trial before Judge J. Walter Hanby of Superior Court in Los Angeles County. He received thousands of letters and telegrams from all over the land, even from Europe. The attorney received so many telephone calls that he had to install a second trunk line. Seven county humane organizations told the court that in their experience new homes were never satisfactory for pets; the dogs & cats should be killed. Spiritualists, who think dogs have souls, wrangled over whether or not they should join their mistress.

The American Kennel Gazette carried a review of the whole case, and the judge's decision. He established this principle, for California at least: dead hands may not take away the life of any living creature.

Widower Charles Winterman was appointed administrator of his wife's estate, took the three dogs and two cats home to live with him.