A New Horse Ambulance
Page 45
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FOR about 40 years Dennis Brothers and SOD, Ltd., of 17, Silchester Road, London, W.10, has specialized in the construction of ambulance bodies for the transport of injured animals, whilst horseboxes have also been extensively built. The latest product of the company has been mounted on a Dennis 30-cwt. chassis .(manufactured by Dennis Bros., Ltd., Guildford), and it takes the form of a horse ambulance. The vehicle is for the use of the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and will operate in Edinburgh.
The rear panel of the body, which can be operated by one man, despite its size, forms a balanced ramp and is lined
with matting. Inside ttheAbody is a stall consisting of a. base, mounted on wheels, and four sides that may be let down. The castors run in channels on
the floor of the body and on the ramp.
When an animal is to be loaded the rear panel is lowered to the ground, and the stall is run down the ramp on to the'road. The sides are let down and the horse is rolled on to the platform, after which the sides are raised into the vertical position. Next, a simple winch at the forward end of the body is brought into use and the stall is wound up into theiinterior. When the ramp has been raised the vehicle is ready •to start on its journey.
In some cases of illness or disablement it is impossible for a horse to stand, so that it is necessary to use a harness, which is passed under the animal and is wound up by means of a roller on each side of the body. In this way the beast's legs may be raised clear of the floo-r.
The stall is lined with matting and,
attached to each side of the body, is an adjustable pad, which prevents sideways movement of the animal. The body is framed in English ash and oak, whilst, inside and outside, the panels are of mahogany. Ventilation of the interior is assisted by means of louvres.
The driver's cab is totally enclosed and let into the +partition is a half-door, through which access may be gained to the main compartment. This well-made vehicle is priced at £850.
It may be mentioned that, included amongst users of horse ambulances made by Dennis Brothers and Son, Ltd., are the War Department, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Our Dumb Friends' League, the Home of Rest for Horses and the
leading railway companies. In addition, orders have been received from many overseas countries.