Chap. 0054 An act in addition to an act, entitled, "an act to prevent damage by mischeivous dogs," passed february twenty fifth, 1792.

Sec. 1st. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives, in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, That from and after the passing this act, it shall be the duty of every person in this Commonwealth, who is, or may be the owner or keeper of any dog, and the Parent, Guardian, Master, or Mistress of any minor, or servant, who is, or may be the owner, or keeper of any dog, to cause such dog so kept, constantly to wear a collar of some kind, with the name of the owner, and the Town or Place of his residence, inscribed at length, in legible letters, on said collar.

Sec. 2d. And be it further enacted, That it shall and may be lawfull for any person, from and after the passing this act, to kill any dog found going at large not wearing a collar as aforesaid.

Sec. 3d. And be it further enacted, That when any dog shall do any damage either to the person, or the property of any person, the owner or keeper of any such dog, and also the parent, Guardian, Master or Mistress of any minor or servant, who shall own, or keep any such dog, shall be liable to such sum, in damages, as said Person may have sustained by said dog; but the defendant, in any such action, may give any special matter in evidence in excuse or justification, under the general issue, any law, usage or Custom to the contrary notwithstanding.

Sec. 4th. And be it further enacted, That an act in-titled an act to lessen the dangerous evils of canine madness, and other injuries occasioned by dogs, passed February 19th, 1798, be and the same is hereby repealed, excepting so far as relates to the prosecuting for any injuries, and the collecting any Taxes, under said act.

Approved February 19, 1799.