4
diseases. In the previous year 8,957 villages were visited, 1,162 animals castrated
and 18,908 animals treated for contagious diseases and 51,404 cases for non-contagious
diseases. There was thus an increase of 831 villages visited, 429 animals castrated
and 9,265 treated for contagious diseases while there was a decrease of 2,139 cases
treated for non-contagious diseases. In spite of the decrease in the treatment of non-
contagious diseases there was an increase of 7,555 in the total number of cases dealt
with by Veterinary Assistants this year. Eight dispensaries were temporarily closed
for some time as Reserve Assistants were not available to fill the vacancies. The
work of the Assistants on tour was inspected by the Inspectors as much as they
could.
35. In addition to the above, the Veterinary Assistant employed by the Dhubri
Local Board, visited 130 villages, treated 262 cases for contagious diseases and 352
cases for non-contagious diseases but no castration was performed by him. The Board
entertained this Assistant in 1924 with the object of opening a dispensary on the
South Bank. Up till now this has not been done. The Assistant has been posted tem-
porarily at Dhubri. Such an arrangement is obviousily not the most suitable for the
interests of the people of the South Bank.
36. The Reserve and Staff Veterinary Assistants on their tours treated 2,723
cases of contagious diseases, 3,121 animals of non-contagious diseases and castrated 34
animals against 1,119, 957 and 1 respectively.
VETERINARY HOSPITALS AND DISPENSARIES.
37. Table V shows the work of the three Government Veterinary Hospitals. The
total number of animals treated in hospitals during the year under report including
both in and out-patients was 4,275 against 4,419 in the previous year. The cause of
this fall is attributed to frequent visits of the Reserve and Staff Veterinary Assistants
especially at Gauhati and Silchar in the town and near about where they undertook
treatment at the owners' houses and the number has been shown as their own work.
The total number of cases supplied with medicines for the treatment of animals not
brought to the hospital was 121 against 400 in the previous year. The distribution
of medicines without the cases being seen is discouraged. Owners are as usual
encouraged to bring their animals to the hospitals for examination and treatment.
38. Gauhati Veterinary Hospital.—During the year under report 92 in-patients
and 1,586 out-patients, making a total of 1,678 were treated in the hospital against a
total of 1,768 in the previous year. Under the Cruelty to Animals Act, 16 cruelty
cases were treated in the hospital against 15 crueity cases and 9 maiming cases in
the previous year.
39. Silchar Veterinary Hospital—During the year under report 24 in-patients
and 1,650 out-patients were treated in the hospital making a total of 1,674 against a
total of 1,677 in the previous year. Under the Cruelty to Animals Act, 4 cruelty
cases and 8 maiming cases were treated in the hospital against 9 cruelty cases and 3
maiming cases in the preceding year. Medicines were supplied in 375 cases for
treatment of animals not brought to the hospital against 400 cases in the previous
year.
40. Shillong Veterinary
Hospital.—During the year under report 49 in-
patients and 874 out-patients making a total of 923 were treated in the hospital
against a total of 974 in the preceding year. The fall has been attributed to various
reasons such as introduction of motor traction in many places where bullocks and
ponies were used in Shiilong town and to a smaller number of visitors with animals,
etc. Under the Cruelty to Animals Act, 3 cases were brought to the hospital for treat
ment against 2 cases in the previous year. Medicines were supplied to 46 cases for-
treatment of animals not brought to the hospital against none in the previous year.
PART III.—BREEDING OPERATIONS.
41. Table VIII shows the number of stud-bulls reported to have been serving in
this province during the year under report.
There were altogether twenty-five bulls at the beginning of the year and the
number at the close of the year was twenty-seven.
CATTLE FAIRS AND SHOWS.
42. Table XIV shows the number of cattle fairs and shows held in the province.
The only attractive features in the fairs were the opening of Veterinary stalls with
specimens and other exhibits.