Dear Sir,
I wish to comment on Dr. Rollin's response to the May 2003 ethical question of the month on the elastrator for older bulls (Can Vet J 2003;8:624).
First, on what scientific facts does Dr. Rollin base his statement “... of all the methods of castration ... banding is probably the most painful method”? Has Dr. Rollin or anyone he knows placed an elastrator band on his or her finger for hours to eloquently demonstrate the nature of the pain, as he suggests?
Second, I question the statement “... there is no reason to believe that castration is any less painful in a newly born calf than in an older animal, ...” Is this statement based on fact or conjecture? After 20 years in large animal practice, my clinical impression is that the younger the animal the better tolerated invasive procedures are, and the faster the healing time.
I am not endorsing banding; however, I am endorsing science and scientific fact rather than personal opinion based on emotion and perception. The Canadian Veterinary Journal should strive to reflect the science of the veterinary profession and not emotions — which is the edict of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).
H.J. Rumney, BSc (Bio) BSc (Agr), DVM
1831 Rumney Road
Tay Township, RR #1
Midland, Ontario L4R 4K3