162 ANIMALS WASTED BY WAR. 



which was simple during the progress of the War, and which 

 at the end was most efficient in the methods of clearing up. 

 Salvage, both during the War and after the conclusion of 

 hostilities, represented one of the biggest Firms of Commercial 

 Exploitation that has ever existed, for all Services, units, and 

 men belonged to it, and it was headed by a controller. "What 

 have you salved to-day?" asked the tail board of the motor 

 wagon, and so forcibly and expertly was Salvage and Economy 

 brought home to one and all, that "Baskets," manifold in 

 design and degree of capacity, were filled to overflowing. I am 

 sure that the Firm has every rea?on to be proud of its 

 turn-over, and of its gross and nett profits. 



One of the items of Salvage, and one of very considerable 

 dimensions on demobilisation, related to the disposal of animals, 

 and it is to that portion of disposal which is specially referable 

 to the Wastage or unfitness of animals occasioned by the hard 

 usages of war that I wish to devote the present section. 



I regret exceedingly, and I am sure it is a matter of pain to 

 many of those who have the interests of anirnals at heart, that 

 those creatures who in dumb obedience shared the dangers and 

 hardships of campaign with human beings should suffer the 

 indignity of classification under Salvage ; still it must be 

 remembered that they are also creatures of mart — to be bought 

 and sold, and they represent a considerable factor in a country's 

 commercial enterprise. It may be taken, however, that their 

 inclusion in Salvage only related to Beturns. Their actual 

 disposal was a thing of itself, very carefully considered — and 

 quite rightly so, and I am in a position to af&rm that humane 

 thought and fellow-feeling reigned supreme in their disposal, 

 even though the best economic considerations were necessary. 



In war, where ineffective animals are sent to Field Veterinary 

 units foi* evacuation to Veterinary Hospitals and Convalescent 

 Horse Depots, it will be readily understood that the bulk of 

 animals which are of no further use for military purposes, or 

 the success of whose treatment is only problematical or 

 economically unsound, will be found in these Institutions. 

 Veterinary Service, therefore, becomes the chief medium 

 through which the account, or military career, of an animal is 

 closed and disposal effected. 



