The magazine was first published in 1868 and remained in publication until 1970.[2] For the first issue, over 200,000 copies were distributed, with Boston police officers distributing 25,000 of them.[3] Free copies were delivered to newspaper editors, legislators, clergy, and teachers.[4] The magazine had an annual fee of US$0.5 and was published monthly.[5] The use of the word "dumb" in its title was not intended to disparage non-human animals, but to refer to their lack of capacity for speech;[6] the motto "We Speak For Those Who Cannot Speak For Themselves" was printed on every cover.[1]
Content
Its content included news about the organization's activities and members, news of pending legislation, humane education in the form of essays and fiction ("animal morality tales")[4] and reports on animal cruelty, which was contrasted with the virtues of the animals being harmed, such as their intelligence and faithfulness.[2][4]