From the site: "This research project led by Chris Pearson, and funded by the British Academy and Wellcome Trust, explores how and why such sights have vanished from present-day London, New York and Paris. Focussing on the period c.1850-1940, Chris is examining how this significant era of urbanization transformed dogs and their relationship with humans. In particular, this period saw the development of kennel clubs, Pasteur Institutes, animal protection societies, municipal pounds, dog shelters, anti-excrement measures and police dog units. "