From flayer to veterinarian
Stampfli, H.R.
Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 136(1): 15-20
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-7281 PMID: 8122086 Document Number: 436384
The duty of the flayer was to dispose of horse and dog offal that was not intended for consumption. In addition he was to see to the disposal of animal carcases. The steady increase in the numbers of horses and dogs as well as devastating diseases, obliged the authorities to improve the control on the flaying of animals. A better knowledge of the dismembering of animals and improved diagnostic capabilities were expected of the flayer. Despite the greater importance of his duties, however, the flayer remained at the bottom of the social ladder. It was only during the era of enlightenment that he became an accepted member of society. Thus emancipated, he was able to leave his accustomed working place and attempted to gain entry into the realm of veterinary medicine. These attempts were sometimes met with success.