DE-HORNING OPERATIONS.

Waikato Argus, Volume XV, Issue 1599, 4 July 1903, Page 2

DE-HORNING OPERATIONS.

A few days aqo we informed our readers that it was the intention of the police to bring a case against the Department of Agriculture for cruelty to animals in connection with dehorning operations carried out at the Ruakura Experimental Station. The information proved to be correct. Yesterday morning operations were continued in order that a test case might be tried on the question. There were present Messrs E Clifton, D. Ross, J. Lyons, Clayton, J. Kerr, Scott, and R. Alexander, of the Agricultural Department ; Thos. Slade, J. Gordon, D. Anderson, Q. Edgecumbe, Garland, A. McDonald, Dr. doing, Sergt Stapleton. and Constables Potter and Mcdlp Work was commenced shortly after ten o'clock, aud forty three year-old beasts were relieved of their horns in about fifty minutes. Mr Mulcahy, manager of the station, operated. Only ahout six seconds are occupied in the removal of the horns when once the head ia in position, and the beasts do not appear to undergo any great torture. In fact it is seldom that a groan is heard although they plunge and bellow furiously when they find their heads confined in the bail. It is extremely doubtful whether they suffer as muoh as from fire branding, and certainly notaßtnuch as in other operations which are considered necessary in connection with young stock. In this instance the cattle were no sooner liberated, than they commenced to chew swedes that were scattered about the paddock The advantages to be derived from dehorning are that animals which previously were the terror of the stockyard lose all their combativeness and become quiet and well-behaved. It is also an advantage when stock are being shipped by train or steamer, and prevents no end of cruelty in the trucks, where cattle often horn ons another shamefully. Butchtrs will always give a little more for dehorned animals, as they can make sure that there will be no loss on account of bruises. Mr Clayton informs us that it frequently happens that he is compelled to condemn a whole quarter of beef owing to the bruises and inflammation consequent upon the attack of another beast, while the injury would not be perceptible while the beast was alive. It is unnecessary to go into detail, but when it is stated that the big estates used to run through, on an average, about IOUO animals a year each, and most farmers adopt it, there must be some good and sufficient reason for the operation. We will, no doubt, hear more about that when the case comes on. After the wotk had been proceeding about half-an-hour Sergeant Stapleton called upon the manager to desist j but, under orders from Mr Clifton, he continued to dehorn. This will be the first case of its kind tried In New Zealand, and the result will be awaited with interest by the farming community. Dehorning is lookod upon in the light of a necessary evil, and should the case be decided against the Department no doubt legislation will be introduced to legalise the operation, which, though permitted in England, is contrary to law in Scotland.