Click here to see more of my illustrated picture books.
Aleen Cust – The first female vet in Ireland and Great Britain. A non-fiction picture book biography written and illustrated by Jennifer Farley
In the late 19th century, a defiant whisper grew into a roar as Aleen Cust shattered norms to pursue her passion. Veterinary medicine was an exclusive gentleman’s club, barring women from its ranks.
Wonder Vet is the true tale of how Aleen Cust became Britain and Ireland’s first female veterinary surgeon.
Who was Aleen Cust?
Aleen Isabel Cust was born in County Tipperary, Ireland in 1868. She grew up with a deep love for the outdoors and a profound passion for wildlife.
She was born into the aristocracy. Her father, Sir Leopold Cust was a land agent. As a child, Aleen was a fun-loving redhead who enjoyed climbing trees, playing chasing with her brothers and looking after animals. The family lived in Cordangon Manor on land with woods, meadows and a river. When asked about her future she claimed “A vet was my reply ever and always.”
Her grandmother, Lady Mary Anne Cust was a painter and writer who also loved animals (particularly cats). She shared her affection for animals with Aleen.
When Aleen was ten years old, her father died. Her mother, Lady Isabel Cust and the family moved to England.
Veterinary College In Edinburgh
When the time came for Aleen to go to University, her mother insisted she study nursing as it would be “unseemly” for a young woman to become a vet. But Aleen was determined to become a vet.
In 1898, with financial help and moral support from a family friend and a small private income, Aleen Isabel Cust registered as a student under the name “A. I. Custance”.
Despite facing challenges as the only female in her class at the New Veterinary College in Edinburgh, her determination remained steadfast. She was one of the best in her class, even winning a medal for zoology.
However, in 1900, despite excelling academically, she was denied the chance to take her final veterinary diploma exams due to her gender. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) maintained that in their regulations, the word ‘student’ implied male student. As determined as Aleen may have been, the board of the RCVS determined there would be no woman veterinary surgeons.
Aleen Returns To Ireland As An Unqualified Vet
Aleen left Edinburgh without a diploma, but importantly, she received a personal recommendation from the principal of the College, Professor William Williams. He recommended her for a post as assistant to William Byrne MRCVS, a practising vet in the area of Athleague, Co. Roscommon. And so she returned to Ireland.
Willie Byrne recognised her talent and dedication to the profession. Aleen became an important part of the Veterinary Practice in Roscommon and East Galway.
Initially, she was regarded with suspicion by the local people. Over time, she earned the trust and respect of the local community, becoming a beloved veterinary surgeon known for her dedication to animals.
In 1906, Aleen applied for the position of veterinary inspector for Mountbellew District. Some dissenting voices claimed that a woman veterinarian was inappropriate. And the fact that she was not officially recognised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons was thrown around as a reason not to employ her.
However, Galway County Council argued that no other trained and experienced veterinarian lived in the region, and Aleen got the job with the proviso her job title was ‘Inspector’ rather than ‘Veterinary Inspector’.
World War 1 War Horses
When World War I erupted in Europe, Aleen drove in her car, by herself to France. In Abbeville, the headquarters of the Army Veterinary and Remount Service, she volunteered and provided care to injured warhorses at the front, further showcasing her extraordinary compassion and love for animals.
Thousands of horses were killed and injured during the war. She stayed in France from 1915 to 1918, eventually working in the veterinary hospital laboratories.
Professional Qualification At Last
In 1919, the Sex Disqualification (Removal) Act banned women’s exclusion from professions. Aleen Cust’s unwavering persistence paid off as the RCVS was finally compelled to recognize her membership. Her hard work and dedication eventually paid off when she was awarded her diploma in December 1922.
She was able to achieve her lifelong dream of becoming a qualified veterinary surgeon. And in her most remarkable case, she became the first female veterinary surgeon in both Ireland and Great Britain.
This achievement broke gender barriers in the field of veterinary medicine. Her legacy as a pioneer continues to inspire generations of women in the veterinary profession.
Wonder-Vet – A Picture Book Biography
I wrote and illustrated this picture book for children and adults who love inspiring stories and animals. It doesn’t cover every aspect of Aleen Cust’s life. But it tells the story for young readers, of a brave Irish woman who stood up for what she believed in and persevered so that she could fulfil her dream. An inspiring true story for girls and boys.
All illustrations in this post are copyright Jennifer Farley.
Wonder-Vet – Aleen Cust Book Reviews
Children’s Books Ireland – Wonder-Vet Review
Best new children’s books: From time-travelling penguins to a pioneering vet – Irish Times
“Wonder-Vet is a beautiful and inspirational book! Bravo!”
– P.J. Lynch, author and illustrator
“It’s an inspiring story of a brave and tenacious woman, beautifully told.”
– Erika McGann, author
“A joyous book for animal lovers and soon-to-be-fans of Aleen Cust.”
– Peter Donnelly, author and illustrator
Wonder-Vet by Irish author and illustrator Jennifer Farley.
Published by Beehive Books. Order now from Beehive Books or from your local bookstore or online bookshop.
ISBN: 9781800970625
Links:
Here are some links to more articles and information about Aleen Cust.
Against All Odds – Aleen Cust – Vet Record Careers
Aleen Cust, first female Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons – RCVS
First woman veterinary surgeon in Britain & Ireland ALEEN ISABEL CUST – HerStory
Aleen Isabel Cust – Herstory Ireland’s Epic Women
From the Archives: Aleen Cust – UCD School of Veterinary Medicine
Wonder-Vet—the story of pioneering vet transformed into an inspiring children’s book – Books Ireland
