[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] 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] The magazine is considered important in the development of the early animal advocacy movement.