Penrose, Joseph Sanders, GMVC 1912, BVSc 1912

J.S. PENROSE, B.V.Sc., M.R.C.V.S.

Mr J.S.  Penrose B.V.Sc., M.R.C.V.S., was born at Harrow, Victoria in 1890.  He graduated form the Melbourne University, obtaining the degree of Bachelor of Veterinary Science.

On graduation, Mr Penrose was appointed as a Staff Officer in the Permanent Military Forces, and during the war saw service with the A.I.F. in the Palestine Campaign as a Veterinary Officer.  At the conclusion of hostilities he undertook graduate studies at the Royal Veterinary College, London, obtaining the Diploma of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Shortly after his return to Australia, he resigned his military position to take a veterinary appointment in Queensland.  Later the Launceston Corporation obtained his services as their first Municipal Veterinary Officer.  Whilst holding this position he initiated many valuable reforms in the Dairying and Meat industries of that city, including a campaign for the eradication of tuberculosis in dairy herds supplying milk to Launceston.  Mr Penrose’s sterling work convinced the Launceston Corporation of the value of veterinary science to their city, and as a result the policy of maintaining veterinary control was firmly established.

In 1925, Mr. Penrose was selected from a large number of applicants to fill the position of Superintendent of Abattoirs and Cattle Markets in the City of Melbourne — a post which he held with distinction until his untimely death.

Mr. Penrose was active in the affairs of both the Australian Veterinary Association and the Veterinary Association of Victoria, having held office as Secretary of the former and Treasurer of the latter for some years.