72 



The distinction between the infliction of pain and cruelty is one that needs 

 to be emphasised in view of the attitude of some of those who are opposed to the 

 practice. Cruelty is the infliction of pain wantonly and unnecessarily, and the term 

 should not apply to those who believe the justification to be sufficient and who 

 exercise due care to have the operation properly and skilfully performed. At 

 the same time, the operation is one that may be badly and carelessly done, and 

 the unnecessary pain thus inflicted is cruelty. Even though the practice should 

 be declared legal it would still be binding upon all parties to take reasonable 

 precautions to have the work done quickly and properly, and where it is shown 

 that these precautions have been neglected, prosecution and conviction should fol- 

 low under the statute provided in that behalf. After the operation, and while the 

 healing process is going on, there are many ways in which needless pain may be 

 avoided, and although the arm of the law may not always be present to assert the 

 rights of the dumb animal, there is a no less binding duty and responsibility laid 

 upon each one to exercise thoughtfulness and kindness towards the humble and 

 dependent servants of his will. No operation involving pain should be performed 

 carelessly or indifferently, and if this rule were always observed we believe that 

 much of the present opposition to the practice would be withdrawn. 



Although none of the witnesses before the Commission were able to speak 

 with any degree of confidence as to the practice of disbudding, or preventing the 

 growth of the horn, a number of veterinary surgeons and directors of experi- 

 mental stations express the opinion that the operation can be performed in calf- 

 hood with much less pain. The Commissioners, although not prepared to recom- 

 mend that the operation be limited by law to the period of calf hood, would express 

 the hope that continued experiments will be made in this line, and that if it should 

 be definitely demonstrated that these methods are accompanied by less pain, and 

 that the results are equally satisfactory, farmers generally will give them pre- 

 ference over dehorning at a more advanced age. 



Concluding the operation to be one that ought to be permitted, the difference 

 of opinion as to the age at which the operation is best performed is so great that the 

 Commissioners do not feel disposed to recommend any limitation in this respect. 

 It does not appear to make much difference in point of suffering whether the horns 

 are taken off at eighteen months, three years, or six years. After the latter age, 

 however, the horns seem to become less sensitive to the operation. 



The season at which the operation should be performed is very important, 

 all the witnesses agreeing that it is desirable and essential to rapid recovery to 

 avoid the heat and flies in summer, and also cold, rain, wind and frost. The 

 month of November was given by many witnesses as the most desirable season, 

 while October and May were also mentioned as being a suitable time for the 

 operation. 



