INAUGURAL ADDRESS. 
033 
known that a large portion of such animals are irrecoverably 
lamed, their joints become diseased, their ligaments and ten¬ 
dons strained, their bones and the membranes that cover them 
inflamed. In such a condition they are placed in the hands 
of the veterinary surgeon, very often with a peremptory order 
that he will fire and blister the limb or limbs affected, and 
instances are not uncommon for a request to be made (if one 
leg only is injured) to fire the opposite one also, with a view, 
as the owner supposes, of strengthening it. Should these 
directions be acted on, the poor animal’s legs are cauterized, 
with the hot iron, and after a time he is again sent to the trainer 
for the purpose of being tested ; he may stand training, or he 
may not; he may break down the first race he runs; if so, what 
then is to become of this noble but ill-used animal, as yet, 
perhaps, not three years old? It is thought, perhaps, that 
it is not worth while to try his power again as a racehorse ; 
therefore, what is to be done with him ? Why, if his pedigree 
is all right, he is sent to the stud, carrying with him disease, 
a tendency to which, in my opinion, can be transmitted to 
his offspring. Or if he is not thought worthy of such a posi¬ 
tion, where are we likely to find him ? Why, in the “ Hansom 
cab,” where, with bent knees, thickened and diseased tendons, 
legs tattoed with the unmerciful firing-iron, galled back, and 
sore shoulders, and a broken spirit, this noble animal wears 
out a miserable life. 
Such was not the original intention in introducing the 
thoroughbred horse into this country. It -was thought, and 
rightly so too, that our breed could be improved; that a fine 
animal, suitable for various purposes, could be produced and 
perpetuated, thereby adding greatly to the nation’s wealth. 
I admit that thoroughbreds are of an immense value as it is, 
but I contend that if there were not so many weeds and 
cripples as there are, their intrinsic value would be much 
greater. Is it not cruel thus to treat animals at such an im¬ 
mature age ? Is it not unwise in an economical point of 
view, is it legitimate sport to overtax the powers of a willing 
horse, producing, as we have seen, such severe and painful 
injuries to his limbs? Is it consistent with science and 
humanity to witness such wanton cruelty without attempting 
to point out the gi\eat error committed? If our duty as 
veterinary surgeons is what I conceive it should be, we 
ought neither to tolerate it nor pander to the whims of those 
whose judgment we have reason to doubt. 
Legitimate sport I can understand and appreciate, but 
when racing, steeple-chasing, &c., is conducted for another 
purpose, and that without any regard to humanity, I do 
