Chief Mouser Act gives titles to government animals

Lazia, 1 August 2016 — The Lazian Chamber has passed the Chief Mouser Act, by two votes in favour with two yet to be cast, granting titles to resident animals of government agencies. Balloe is named Chief Dogger to the Executive Office of the Lazian Chamber, Kitty Chief Mouser, and Terry and Thor Lord Mousers.

The Act formalised a Mahusetan tradition of according office to resident animals — a practice the Confederation would treat with characteristic seriousness in the years that followed. Of those named, Thor, then a Lord Mouser, rose to particular prominence: his birthday was later declared a national holiday, and cats in public office were granted the formal style of “gentlenyan”.

Balloe, named Chief Dogger to the Executive Office of the Lazian Chamber, served in that capacity until his death in 2023, by which time the office had been restyled Chief Doggo. The Act stands as an early example of the deadpan gravity with which Mahuset has invested its more whimsical institutions.