Jan. 12, 2021
Animal Welfare & Vets
Animal welfare and the veterinarian's role:
"One of the principle precepts of medical and veterinary ethics is “do no harm”. This principle must be considered before initiating any veterinary intervention, such as surgery, physical or pharmaceutical treatment, or other procedure is undertaken. In some instances, doing nothing may be beneficial and in the best interest of the animal; in other circumstances, the lack of intervention itself may be harmful. Veterinarians and the veterinary healthcare team need to attain and maintain a high level of competency to be able to recognise, prevent, diagnose and appropriately treat and address conditions that may adversely affect their animal patients’ health and welfare needs, and thus the animals’ well being."
I am not seeing this whatsoever in the majority of people I speak to about their veterinarians. In this group I think it is safe to say we have never seen this from the offending vet. They have no desire for the welfare of the pet. It is not a priority of theirs when IT SHOULD BE! If you are not paying attention to the welfare of the pet then you are DOING HARM! Veterinary professionals are expected to provide not only for physical health, but also the non‐physical aspects of animal welfare that allow for the psychological, social and environmental well‐being of their patients. Again, I personally, an not seeing this.