PREVENTABLE CRUELTY
[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
SIR,—I notice in the Spectator of November 8th a letter from the Chief Secretary to the R.S.P.C.A., with reference to the castration of pigs. The Anaesthetics (Amendment) Act of 1919 only has reference to the horse tribe, bovines, dogs and cats, and requires that in the case of these animals, certain operations shall be performed under a general anaes- thetic ; and certain operations under a local anaesthetic. There are thus other animals and other operations which are not dealt with. I think it is to be wished that the letter had expressed the Society's concern that all operations of a serious nature, performed on any animal, should be performed under an anaesthetic of the nature to prevent the animal feeling pain. The question of by whom an operation may be performed is not dealt with by the Act ; so that is all the more necessary that every step should be taken to prevent the performance of operations by persons not having the requisite skill ; whether operations which are in the schedule to the Act or not.
My particular point in addressing you is to point out that what is essential is—just as in the case of all mis-use of animals --that it is not sufficient to say that action would be taken if information were forthcoming. It is the want of observation by all and sundry of these matters which is the main factor in mis-use or abuse not being more checked.—I am, Sir, &c.,
5 Trinity Gardens, Folkestone. J. S. DOTJGLAS.
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