I 
EDITORIAL. 59 
EDITORIAL 
REGULATION OF VETERINARY PRACTICE IN NEW YORK STATE. 
For several years past various attempts have been made by 
members of the veterinary profession, and by gentlemen inter¬ 
ested in the welfare of our domestic animals, to obtain from the 
Legislature in Albany, a law which would regulate the practice of 
veterinary medicine in the State, but in every instance the effort 
has proved abortive. Why such a law has not been enacted may 
be difficult to say. Whether the profession has not been strong 
enough to overcome the opposition that the bill met from other 
parties; or, because the bill was deficient; or because of its 
asking too much; or, because it interfered with the rights of 
private individuals; or whatever may have been the cause of 
failure, we are not informed. Nevertheless, as veterinary science 
is making its way little by little, and as its influence and useful¬ 
ness are becoming by degrees better appreciated, the need of 
such regulation is felt, and though defeated, those who have 
interested themselves in the subject are likely to try again, if we 
may judge by the information which has been received through 
the newspapers. 
It is evident, however, that the members of the veterinary 
profession, who have at heart the welfare of their noble pursuit, 
must keep a close watch on what may be attempted at Albany, 
under the pretext of regulating the practice of veterinary medi¬ 
cine. A bill which was reported some time ago as having been 
presented, and which we understand lias been read twice in the 
Senate, referred to the Committee on Public Health, reported 
favorably from that Committee, and referred to the Committee of 
the Whole, is amongst the dangers which threaten the elevation 
of the profession in the State, and one we hope our Legislature will 
reject, as the means of organizing empiricism and quackery for 
ever in the State of New York, as every one can satisfy himself 
by the reading of sections of the bill. Far from being an act to 
regulate the practice of veterinary surgeons, and for the better 
protection and for the more humane and scientific treatment of 
