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muzzling regulations, the Council made new regulations requiring the wearing of
collars by dogs while on a highway. Under these regulations, 25,942 dogs were
seized by the prjlice during 1927.
Of this number, 7,381 were claimed by their owners and the remainder were
sent to the Dog's Home for sale or destruction.
Three cases of suspected rabies in London were reported during the year but
the post-mortem examinations made by the veterinary inspectors failed to reveal
evidence of disease, the suspicious symptoms being proved to arise from other causes.
On the outbreak of the Great War, the Order dealing with parasitic mange was
temporarily suspended, with the result that the disease increased largely. The
conditions under which trade horses are fed and worked in London, particularly
during busy seasons, tend to encourage the spread of the disease. During 1927,
the returns of cases in London showed a slight increase. The following figures
relate to 1927:—Outbreaks, 65; horses affected, 127; infringements, 14; written
cautions sent, 9; cases referred to solicitor, 5; convictions, 5; penalties and costs,
£35 8s. For the purposes of comparison, it may be pointed out that the number of
outbreaks in 1926 was 57, affecting 91 horses.
As the outcome of one of the recommendations of the Departmental Committee
on Foot and Mouth Disease the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries issued an Order,
entitled the Movement of Animals (Records) Order, 1925, which had for its object
the provision of a ready means of tracing animals which may have been in contact
with diseased or suspected animals. The Order, which came into force on 1st
February, 1926, requires, with certain exceptions, records to be kept by any person
who moves or permits any animal to be moved to or from any premises. 12
infringements of the Order were dealt with by means of written cautions.
In consequence of an outbreak of foot and mouth disease at Neasden, Middlesex,
the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries made an Order on 7th January, 1927,
declaring a district within a radius of 15 miles of the infected place to be an " infected
area " for the purposes of the Foot and Mouth Disease (Infected Areas Restrictions)
Order of 1925. This area included the County of London. As no further case of the
disease was disclosed the Order was modified on 29th January 1927, and London
was released from movement restrictions.
In consequence of another outbreak at Enfield, Middlesex, a similar Order was
made on 5th October 1927, which included the portion of the County of London
north of the river Thames, but London was again released from restriction on 19th
October, 1927.
In the case of both outbreaks, the necessary steps were taken to bring to the
notice of the persons concerned the provisions of the Orders of which the effect is
to prohibit the movement of animals out of the area and to permit movement
within or into the district only under licence.
There were 39 infringements of the Foot and Mouth Disease (Infected Areas
Restrictions) Order of 1925, 37 of which were dealt with by means of written cautions.
Cases referred to solicitor, 2; convictions, 2; penalties and costs £20 3s.
To ensure that the requirements of the several Orders in force from time to
time are being observed, and that the animals are not caused unnecessary suffering
during transit and are free from signs of disease, the Council's inspectors pay numerous
visits to railway wharves, depots, etc., where animals in transit are collected. The
visits during 1927 numbered 3,016, the animals examined being—horses 3,209,
cattle 55,574, sheep 92,050, swine 46,553, making a total of 197,386. There were
19 infringements, 18 written cautions, 1 case of legal proceedings and 1 conviction
with a penalty and costs amounting to £15 5s.
During the year an application for financial aid towards the cost of rebuilding
and equipping the Royal Veterinary College was considered. As there was no
provision in the three years' educational programme for such a grant, and as there
Parasitic
mange.
Foot and
mouth
disease.
Enforceme
of orders.
Rebuilding
of Royal
Veterinary
Colloge.