95 



Some time a°-o I got interested in the question, and wrote to parties in the western states about it. 

 These people recommended it, and knowing them to be humane, christian men, I felt that it would 

 be to our i uteres'- t< > do it. 1 got all the informaion I could, and to make sure I engaged a veterin- 

 ary surgeon to perform the operation. I felt that it would be a very painful thing, and if I had 

 been called upon to do it myself, I could not have done it. I was quite satisfied with the results. 

 My cattle did not show any signs of suffering, particularly after the saw left the horn. There 

 was more blood from the younger than from the older animals. I have in my herd four cows that 

 should have been turned off last fall on account of age. However, I dehorned them with the 

 the others, and now they appear five years younger than they did. I consider this partly the re- 

 sult of dehorning as they hadn't as much grain as in the previous year. I am satisfied that the 

 cattle themselves have been gainers from dehorning. They have thrived better ; have had no 

 punishment from each other and have been in a constant state of quiet and peace. Another 

 thing L noticed was this, if (me of my cattle with horns gets its head in the straw stack and 

 theifhears a step, it will back out to see who or what is coming. Since the horns are off they 

 don't care a rap who comes. The sense of security obtained in this way must be a great 

 benefit. The good effects far outweigh the momentary pain of the operation. I don't see 

 that any legislation is necessary on this question, because as the law now stands a person guilty 

 of cruelty can be punished. I think that the man who properly performs the operation should 

 not be interfered with." 



Jacob Keesler, farmer, South Dorchester, Middlesex county, sworn, said : " I own thir- 

 teen head ju>t now dairy stock. Have not dehorned, because I do not see the necessity for 

 it. I think the horn is a guide to the breed and the age. I prefer cattle with horns — don't care 

 much for muleys. Have not had very much loss from hooking. 1 think we ought to stop de- 

 horning, clipping the tails of lambs and docking horses. I would like to see my neighbors give 

 up these things and treat the dumb animals kindly. 



Rudolphus C. McKenney, sworn, gave evidence as follows : '* Am engaged in farming to 

 some extent, and am residing at present in Aylmer. Have lived about nine years in Dakota 

 and handled sixty or seventy head of cattle. There is a good deal of dehorning done there. 

 The percentage would be fully half 1 think. They are adopting the plan of dehorning and 

 allowing the cattle to run loose in the stable." 



John M. O'Neil, farmer, South Dorchester, sworn, said : "I have not had my cattle de- 

 horned, because I thought at first it was a very cruel thing. I went and looked at Stephen 

 York's herd that had been dehorned. They seemed to me to be nice and quiet and to feed nicely 

 together. 1 saw the operation at Edwa d York's place. I watched it closely It seemed 

 a very simple thing, without much punishment and scarcely any bleeding. I am in favor of de- 

 horning n.iwand intend to have my cattle dehorned, as I think it will prevent the punishment 

 they inflict on each other. A year ago I had an animal killed by goring, and besides that it 

 cost me $4 for a veterinary surgeon. Then I had another animal killed three or four weeks ago. 



Jamks Meikle, farmer, South Dorchester, Elgin county, sworn, said : " I keep thirty head 

 of cattle for dairy purposes. Had three dehorned last winter. Am in favor of the operation 

 and intend to dehorn my herd if it becomes law, because I think they do better." 



William Su \ton, herdsman, Harrietsville, sworn, said: " Am employed to look 



after the cattle on - n York's farm. I have held about fifty animals while they were being 



dehorned. I was a little opposed to it at first, but if 1 had a herd of my own now I would 

 have the horns taken off. They get over it quickly and they are much easier to keep. The 

 neighbors all say that our cattle are in better condition now than they ever were before." 



The Commission then adjourned to meet at London on Wednesday, June 1st, at 2.30. 



London, June 1st. 



The Commission resumed the hearing of evidence in the County Court House, London, on 

 Wednesday, June 1st, at 2.30. In the temporary absence ; of the Chairman, Mr. Henry Glen- 

 dinning presided. 



Mr. John Geary, farmer, London Township, being called and sworn, gave evidence as 

 follows : I am President of the Western Ontario Dairymen's Association, and President of the 



