BOW-STREET. — Yesterday a gentleman, whose name was not mentioned, complained to Mr. HALL of the felonious detention, by a man living in Keppel-mews south, Russell-square, of his Newfoundland dog, for the recovery of which he had been compelled to pay 2£.
Complainant lost his dog about a week ago in the Camberwell-road, and believing it had strayed, offered two soveriegns to have it returned to him at 16A, Terrace, Kensington-common. The name of "G. J. Norton, Weymouth," was engraved on a brass collar round the animal's neck. Having been directed to the house in Keppel-mews, he went there, and was introduced to his own and a great number of other dogs, of various kinds. The man in authority there asked if he had not offered a reward, and on admitting the fact, the man consented to take only the sum offered (2£) on paying which, the owner was suffered to take the dog away.
Mr. HALL said, unless complainant wished to charge the man with stealing his dog, or the brass collar, and was prepared to place him at the bar on his own responsibility, he could render him no assistance. It was not for him to say that the dog had not got into the party's possession without design, or that he was not fairly entitled to the reward which had been offered. He could only express his surprise that people generally consented to give such extravagant sums for the recovery of their dogs. By so doing they were actually encouraging the system of which they complained.
Complainant said there was no alternative, unless they were content to lose their propety.
Mr. HALL — They should proceed by summons.
Complainant. — The dog would be no doubt destroyed as soon as the summons was served.
Mr. HALL repeated that he could not interfere, and the complainant, who was attended by his dog (a fine black animal), then left the court.