On this day in 1922, Aleen Cust was granted membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). She had already been a practicing vet for 22 years and was the first woman veterinary surgeon in Ireland or England. Her story is a remarkable one.
Aleen was born at Cordangan Manor in 1868. She enrolled at the New Veterinary College in Edinburgh in 1894. As her family did not approve of her choice of studies, she went by the surname ‘Custance’ to save them from any embarrassment. Later, she was refused admittance to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) as they claimed the word ‘student’ implied male. She was also barred from using the term ‘veterinary surgeon’.
Nevertheless, Aleen would not be deterred. A Professor Williams provided her with a testimonial upon her graduation and recommended her for the position of Assistant at William Byrne’s veterinary practice in Athleague, Co. Roscommon. Her arrival caused consternation in the local area and scandalised some locals.
Galway County Council appointed her as part-time ‘Veterinary Inspector’ but this again brought her into conflict with the RCVS who protested at the use of the word ‘veterinary’. By 1910, she had also started her own practice after William Byrne died. Aleen was essentially a practising veterinary surgeon outside of professional law at this point.
After the Great War and all the social change that it brought about, the government passed the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act in 1919. This important piece of legislation meant that the RCVS could no longer deny Aleen Cust membership and on 21 December 1922, she was granted her Diploma- fully 22 years after completing her veterinary studies.
Cust later settled in Hampshire and in 1937, she decided to visit friends in Jamaica. Unfortunately, she died of a heart attack three weeks after her arrival and is buried at in Kingston, Jamaica.
It is hard to overstate this remarkable woman’s courage,tenacity and determination. At a time when women were barred from entering many professions due to prejudice and tradition, she overcame a host of obstacles.Working in what must have been a very difficult environment, she is known to have been a woman of integrity and the highest of standards.
Sources:
https://www.vetrecordjobs.com/myvetfuture/article/story-of-aleen-cust-britains-first-woman-vet/
Martin Quinn, Tipperary People of Great Note (2020), p22
