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cases. Thus our practice is necessarily somewhat restricted, especially as regards
horses; it is, therefore, with some satisfaction that we point to the number of
in-patients as averaging 135 ⅔ per mensem.
Deaths will happen sometimes in spite of all our efforts, and I trust that in
time we shall be able to remit all expenses incurred in all cases of animals belong
ing to hack ghári and cart owners which are discharged as "died" or "incura
ble." It is these very cases, however, which most exact the time and care of the
Staff and servants, and throw most strain on the resources of the Institution, so
difficulties lie in our way in this matter.
In deference to the religious feelings of many supporters of the Society no
animals are destroyed in the Hospital: incurable cases are handed over to the
owners with a request that they be taken to the Bombay Pinjrápole, care being
taken always to remove all possible sources of suffering before they are sent there.
3. The following are the principles on which the Hospital has been worked
hitherto:—
(1) It is desired to supplement the veterinary resources of Bombay:—
(a) by affording veterinary care and treatment for cases of exceptional
severity and obstinacy, or for animals of very high value.
(b) also it is hoped to place at the disposal of the public the advice of the
officers specially selected by Government for veterinary charge of the
College and Hospital.
(c) by co-operating with the Police in repression of communicable diseases,
such as glanders, rinderpest, and foot and mouth disease.
(d) by advising Government and performing for the authorities any special
duties required of the Veterinary Staff in Bombay.
(2) To especially afford veterinary aid to animals used in vehicles plying for
hire in Bombay at as low a rate of cost for keep only as the resources of the
Institution will permit.
Thus a ghári owner or a cart owner can have his animal kept and treated in
the Hospital for less than it would cost to keep him idle at home.
(3) To avoid competition with the qualified practitioners of Bombay by
charging higher fees for all paying patients, while guaranteeing to owners the
full benefits of the exceptional equipment and management of the Institution.
In fact, all owners able to pay must understand that we wish to give them the
best possible advice and treatment, but that they must pay accordingly. They will
have the satisfaction of knowing that all the Hospital fees go towards support of
the Institution, and are for expansion of it as a charity, the officers being forbidden
private veterinary practice.
It is satisfactory to report that the local practitioners have shown lively
interest in the progress of the College and Hospital, and that we owe some instruct
ive cases and specimens to their kindness. The College officers consult with
local qualified practitioners who wish it on their cases without fee, but can be
called in for consultation on the wish of an owner at the full consulting fee.
(4) To afford skilled veterinary advice to the Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals, and forward its efforts in every way, by precept and example
to repress cruelty and avoid unnecessary infliction of pain. Thus no twitch is to
be seen in our horse wards, our cattle are persuaded to move more rapidly by less
painful methods than tail-screwing, and the blessings of chloroform are extended
to suffering animals.
(5) To supply clinical facilities for study to the students of the Bombay
Veterinary College.
The results of the Hospital in this respect have been most gratifying, the
average number of cases for treatment being 183 per mensem, and the disorders
ranging through from 12 to 14 different classes. The senior students are posted
to the several wards and departments as Clinical Clerks, and carefully carry out