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TIME: Almanac 1990
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1990 Time Magazine Compact Almanac, The (1991)(Time).iso
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041089
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04108900.035
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1990-09-22
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NATION, Page 45American NotesPHILADELPHIAA Doggone Shame
In their glory days, they patrolled Philadelphia's mean
streets, searched buildings and sniffed for bombs and narcotics.
When they retired, the hounds of the Philadelphia police
department's canine unit traditionally got pensions in the form of
free dog food and veterinary care. But on March 1, Police
Commissioner Willie Williams eliminated the benefits of 45
wet-nosed retirees to shave $13,500 from the department's $262
million budget. "When you are looking at cutting services to the
homeless," said police spokesman Captain Richard De Lise, "how can
you justify feeding dogs?"
Williams' move touched off a howl of protest. The Fraternal
Order of Police filed a formal complaint. Allentown-based Alpo
Petfoods Inc. offered free vittles to the retired canine crime
fighters for as long as they live. Animal lover Randi Biba gathered
more than 1,000 signatures on petitions urging the police
department to reverse its decision. "Policemen get benefits, and
these dogs are their partners," says Biba, a 37-year-old secretary.
"What's the difference if they have two legs or four?"