Notes

Abstract

ON Friday, May 2, the Animal Anaesthetics Bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons. The object of this Bill is to insist on the use of anaesthetics in a large number of cutting operations on horses and dogs. The operations to which the Act should apply are specified in a schedule to the Act, in which a distinction is drawn between those which should be performed under general anaesthetics and those for which a local anaesthetic is required. It is worth noting that the Act does not apply to farm animals, on which operations for the improvement of their market value can continue to be performed without anaesthetics. Of the legislators who have been prominent in endeavouring to suppress experiments on animals performed with a view to prevention of human disease and suffering, we notice only the name of Sir J. G. Butcher as taking part in the discussion or supporting the Bill—another proof, if proof be needed, that the leading motive in these people is-not kindness to animals or regard for their fellow-creatures, but opposition to the advance of science in general, and in our knowledge of the processes of life in particular.