VET April 2025 The Monthly Magazine of the SOUTH AFRICAN VETERINARY ASSOCIATION Die Maandblad van die SUID-AFRIKAANSE VETERINÊRE VERENIGING Illegal dog hunting. A welfare perspective CPD THEME Bats, Stray Animals, World Vet Day nuus•news Access to CPD Articles: https://www.sava.co.za/vetnews-2025/
Dagboek • Diary Ongoing / Online 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 SAVETCON: Webinars Info: Corné Engelbrecht, SAVETCON, 071 587 2950, corne@savetcon.co.za / https://app.livestorm.co/svtsos Acupuncture – Certified Mixed Species Course Info: Chi University: https://chiu.edu/courses/cva#aboutsouthafrica@tcvm.com SAVA Johannesburg Branch CPD Events Monthly - please visit the website for more info. Venue: Johannesburg Country Club Info: Vetlink - https://savaevents.co.za/ Oranje Vaal Branch Congress 11 – 12 April Venue: Khaya Ibhubesi Conference Centre, Parys Info: conference@savetcon.co.za Mpumalanga Branch CPD Evening 06 May Venue: to be confirmed (Nelspruit) Info: conference@savetcon.co.za NVCG Ophthalmology Road Show 08 May Venue: Protea Hotel Technopark, Stellenbosch Info: https://vetlink.co.za/nvcg-ophthalmology-roadshow-2025/ or www.vetlink.co.za NVCG Ophthalmology Road Show 15 May Venue: Premier Hotel, Midrand Info: https://vetlink.co.za/nvcg-ophthalmology-roadshow-2025/ or www.vetlink.co.za RuVASA Annual Conference 18 – 21 May Venue: Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, Johannesburg, O.R. Tambo Airport (Gauteng) Info: www.vetlink.co.za Eastern Free State Branch Congress 06-07 June Venue:Protea Hotel, Clarens Info: conference@savetcon.co.za July 2025 August 2025 September 2025 55th Annual SASAS Congress 08 -10 July Venue: Protea Hotel, The Ranch Resort, Polokwane Info: https://www.sasascongress.co.za/ Hill’s & MSD Nurses Weekend 26-27 July Venue: Houw Hoek Hotel, Grabouw Info: corne@savetcon.co.za NVCG Bush Break 26-27 July Venue: Nombolo Mdhluli Conference Centre, Skukuza, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga Info: https://vetlink.co.za/BUSH-BREAK-26-27-JULY-2025/ Western Cape Branch Congress 01-02 August Venue: Protea Hotel, Marriott Stellenbosch & Conf Centre Info: https://vetlink.co.za/western_cape/ 14th International Veterinary Immunology Symposium 11-14 August Venue: Hilton Vienna Park, Austria Info: corne@savetcon.co.za or visit www.ivis2025.org 22nd Annual SASVEPM Congress 20 -22 August Venue: ANEW Resort White River, Mpumalanga, SA Info: https://sasvepm.org/ or conferences@vetlink.co.za Eastern Cape and Karoo Branch Congress 12-13 September Venue: Radisson Blu Hotel, Port Elizabeth Info: https://vetlink.co.za/eastern_cape_and_karoo_branch/ 5th International Congress on Parasites of Wildlife and 53rd Annual PARSA Conference 14-18 September Venue: Skukuza, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga Info: corne@savetcon.co.za or visit www.savetcon.co.za
Vetnuus | April 2025 1 Contents I Inhoud President: Dr Ziyanda Qwalela president@sava.co.za Interim Managing Director: Dr Paul van der Merwe md@sava.co.za Editor VetNews: Ms Andriette van der Merwe vetnews@sava.co.za Accounts / Bookkeeping: Ms Sonja Ludik bookkeeper@sava.co.za/+27 (0)12 346 1150 Secretary: Ms Sonja Ludik sonja@sava.co.za/ +27 (0)12 346 1150 Reception: Ms Hanlie Swart reception@sava.co.za/ +27 (0)12 346 1150 Marketing & Communications: Ms Sonja van Rooyen marketing@sava.co.za/ +27 (0)12 346 1150 Membership Enquiries: Ms Debbie Breeze debbie@sava.co.za/ +27 (0)12 346 1150 Vaccination Booklets: Ms Debbie Breeze debbie@sava.co.za/ +27 (0)12 346 1150 South African Veterinary Foundation: Ms Debbie Breeze savf@sava.co.za/ +27 (0)12 346 1150 Community Veterinary Clinics: Ms Claudia Cloete manager@savacvc.co.za/ +27 (0)63 110 7559 SAVETCON: Ms Corné Engelbrecht corne@savetcon.co.za/ +27 (0)71 587 2950 VetNuus is ‘n vertroulike publikasie van die SAVV en mag nie sonder spesifieke geskrewe toestemming vooraf in die openbaar aangehaal word nie. Die tydskrif word aan lede verskaf met die verstandhouding dat nóg die redaksie, nóg die SAVV of sy ampsdraers enige regsaanspreeklikheid aanvaar ten opsigte van enige stelling, feit, advertensie of aanbeveling in hierdie tydskrif vervat. VetNews is a confidential publication for the members of the SAVA and may not be quoted in public or otherwise without prior specific written permission to do so. This magazine is sent to members with the understanding that neither the editorial board nor the SAVA or its office bearers accept any liability whatsoever with regard to any statement, fact, advertisement or recommendation made in this magazine. VetNews is published by the South African Veterinary Association STREET ADDRESS 47 Gemsbok Avenue, Monument Park, Pretoria, 0181, South Africa POSTAL ADDRESS P O Box 25033, Monument Park Pretoria, 0105, South Africa TELEPHONE +27 (0)12 346-1150 FAX General: +27 (0) 86 683 1839 Accounts: +27 (0) 86 509 2015 WEB www.sava.co.za CHANGE OF ADDRESS Please notify the SAVA by email: debbie@sava.co.za or letter: SAVA, P O Box 25033, Monument Park, Pretoria, 0105, South Africa CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS (Text to a maximum of 80 words) Sonja van Rooyen assistant@sava.co.za +27 (0)12 346 1150 DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENTS Sonja van Rooyen assistant@sava.co.za +27 (0)12 346 1150 DESIGN AND LAYOUT Sonja van Rooyen PRINTED BY Business Print: +27 (0)12 843 7638 VET Diary / Dagboek II Dagboek • Diary Regulars / Gereeld 2 From the President 4 Editor’s notes / Redakteurs notas Articles / Artikels 8 Animal Health Technicians as an integral part of the Veterinary Team 12 Bridging Compassion and Commerce: Veterinarians’ Ethical Dilemmas in Providing Care for Homeless Animals 19 Bats from the Colombian Caribbean Reveal a new subtype of Influenza A (H18N12) 25 SAVA Takes the Lead in Addressing Veterinary Medicine Shortages Association / Vereniging 26 CVC News 28 SAVA News 35 In Memoriam 36 Legal Mews Events / Gebeure 34 SAVA awards at Onderstepoort Prizegiving Vet's Health / Gesondheid 42 Life Coaching Technical / Tegnies 38 Ophthalmology Column 40 Royal Canin Column Relax / Ontspan 48 Life Plus 26 Marketplace / Markplein 44 Marketplace Jobs / Poste 45 Jobs / Poste 47 Classifieds / Snuffeladvertensies 8 19 12 Click on the image to access Vetnews CPD articles « nuus•news
Vetnews | April 2025 2 « BACK TO CONTENTS Over the past month, I’ve noticed how the sun rises a little later each day—a subtle reminder that change is constant. As the seasons change, so too does our journey as an association. The shift towards winter is a reminder that transformation is inevitable, and with it comes both challenges and opportunities. In the last week, we announced the resignation of Mr. Gert Steyn who has served as a managing director/CEO for several years. We bid him farewell and wish him the best of luck with his future endeavours. Alongside this, our recent Board and FEDCO meetings have underscored the need for a sustainable future and enabled the creation of a strategic committee to review and enhance the SAVA business model. This initiative aims to secure financial stability and explore diverse income opportunities, ensuring the longevity and growth of our association. All the nominees received from the SAVA groups and branches were considered and they will start with their important work in the next month or so. Our recent engagements with HWSETA have yielded promising outcomes, including strengthened collaboration, funding breakthroughs, and a renewed commitment to skills development within the sector. The establishment of a task team, composed of industry and HWSETA representatives, marks a pivotal step in shaping an inclusive and sustainable professional landscape. Over the past few years, many SAVA members and Non-Members found expression in alternative platforms rather than utilising existing SAVA platforms. Stakeholder engagement remains a top priority for me and we will work to ensure that SAVA’s platforms reflect the needs and expectations of our members. Our acting MD with the support of VTECH’s marketing service provider, is working on refining our internal and external communication strategies to foster better connections and advocacy within our profession. The industry has proactively formed an Antimicrobial Resistance(AMR) monitoring platform/forum and invited SAVA to participate. Our participation in AMR initiatives reaffirms our dedication to global veterinary advancements. SAVC nominations and voting are still underway, and I encourage all members to participate—your voice matters. A special thank you to Dr. Leon De Bruyn, who has agreed to serve as SAVA’s representative on the next council. May the decisions of the incoming council align with the evolving needs of our profession While the past months have brought complexities, our collective resilience and strategic foresight will guide us forward. The SAVA Board remains committed to addressing key priorities and keeping our members informed every step of the way. Together, we will embrace change and shape a future that upholds the integrity and strength of our profession. Enjoy the short break in April, let it be a time for spiritual renewal, celebration and family. v Warmest regards, Ziyanda From the President Dear members, C H A N G I N G S E A S O N S
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Vetnews | April 2025 4 « BACK TO CONTENTS I hope all members (who I hope are all readers of our wonderful magazine) are well in this second official month of Autumn. April is traditionally the month when World Veterinary Day is observed. This year the theme is the Veterinary Team. I think it is safe to say that no Veterinarian can exist and work in isolation or completely alone. There is always somebody needed to help, whether it is the kennel assistant, an owner holding an animal or the cattle hand. Where the Veterinarian will always be the leader of the team, he has the help of many many other specialists in their clinical fields. Veterinary Nurses, Veterinary Technicians, Assistants, Physiotherapists, Veterinary Technologists, Animal Heath Technicians and I am sure there are some I am not listing here. Then there are the “behind the scenes” support staff who are not seen in the clinical snapshot. It starts with the reception staff, the people who are the first contact a client will have with the practice and often the last as they receive their invoice, make payment or just leave the practice. They have the privilege and responsibility of the first impression. Support them, they are the face of your business. They may be the reason somebody may or may not return. You get an easter egg. A Practice manager – that is the unicorn that keeps this whole circus from travelling downstream. He or she bats much more than can ever be imagined and tries to keep relations amongst staff, between staff and clients, between the practice and suppliers, all in order. We salute you. You get an easter egg. The family of all veterinary team members. The patient ears that have to absorb the complaints that may flow from the practice. The producers of encouraging and wise words. The ones who pack a lunchbox or pour a drink. The ones who accompany the staff member on a call-out or wait up patiently for the veterinary team member to return home. We salute you. You get an easter egg. The last unseen member of the team is SAVA. Now you may think that SAVA is not part of the team. But indeed it is. SAVA is not the big brother like the Council that can punish you if they find you guilty of wrongdoing. SAVA is like the family at the Sunday lunch table. SAVA is the place to go to if advice is needed. When you are down in the dumps, SAVA has a hotline with a willing ear and sound advice. SAVA looks out for the members and if something has to be addressed all veterinarians benefit, not only members. SAVA is also the overseeing body of the groups and branches. Places where a vet in the region can find and interact with fellow vets, or where similar interests can be discussed. In this month of the Veterinary Team, I would like to encourage all members to ensure their financial commitment to SAVA is up to date and to encourage non-members to join to make SAVA even bigger and better. May all Christians enjoy the easter season, and may we never forget the reason for the season. Andriette v From the Editor Editor’s notes / Redakteurs notas 24-Hour Toll-Free Helpline: 0800 21 21 21
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Vetnews | April 2025 6 « BACK TO CONTENTS SA EVENT MANAGEMENT ETCON YEARS 2004-2024 11-12 APR SAVA Oranje Vaal Branch Congress Khaya iBhubezi, Parys 6-7 JUN SAVA Eastern Free-State Branch Congress Protea Hotel Marriot, Clarens 26-27 JUL Hill’s Pet NutriƟon & MSD Animal Health Houw Hoek Hotel, Grabouw 11-14 AUG th 14 InternaƟonal Veterinary Immunology Hilton Vienna Park, Austria 14-18 SEPT th 5 InternaƟonal Congress on Parasites of Skukuza Kruger NaƟonal Park 30 OCT - th 10 South African Immunology Society Garden Court Marine Parade, KZN 18-19 OCT SAVA Free-State & Northern Cape Branch Bloemfontein 2026 1-4 th 13 InternaƟonal Crustacean Society STIAS, Stellenbosch Conference Congress Conference rd Wildlife and 53 Annual PARSA Conference Symposium Nurses Hybrid Weekend www.savetcon.co.za +27(0)71 587 2950 www COMING UP 01 NOV 6 MAY SAVA Mpumalanga Branch CPD Evening Nelspruit JUN 2025
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Vetnews | April 2025 8 « BACK TO CONTENTS Animal Health Technicians as an integral part of the Veterinary Team Animal Health Technicians were recently granted the right to open primary animal health care practices for their own gain. Many veterinarians view this as a threat to our profession, whereas some view it as an opportunity. To dissect the intricate situation it is needed to have a sound understanding of the history of veterinary services in South Africa, the challenges experienced with the establishment of field veterinary services, the evolvement thereof, the role of stock inspectors, the precursor of animal health technicians, the establishment of the animal health technician occupation, the scope of practise of animal health technicians. Once soundly understood, the veterinary system needs to be reviewed to establish the role and functions of veterinarians and all veterinary para-professionals to identify areas of possible cooperation and conflict. The early history and need for government veterinary services When the Second Anglo-Boer War started in 1899, 125 military and 240 civilian veterinarians came to South Africa with the British army. After the end of the war in 1902, many of them remained in South Africa. The most eminent of those who stayed behind were J. Soga (1889), a Xhosa-speaking South African, A. Theiler (1896) who was appointed in the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek, and H. Watkins-Pitchford after whom the Allerton Regional Veterinary Laboratory in Pietermaritzburg was named. Veterinary services mainly focused on military support, with no clear distinction between ‘field services’ and research. The veterinary service focused on the military and civilian importance of having healthy draught animals and saddle horses. The ‘field services’ were very poorly manned and were assisted by “brandziekte” inspectors for the control of sheep scab. These inspectors were the forerunners of the later stock inspectors and animal health technicians, as they are known today. Problems faced by ‘field services’ before South African unification in 1910 The problems faced by veterinary ‘field services’ before the unification of South Africa in 1910 were twofold, political and cultural. Politically the appointment of mostly foreign (British) nationals as veterinarians was met with sensitivities between the British and many South Africans before, during and after the two Anglo-Boer wars. There also was no veterinary legislation in place to support decisions made. Culturally, farmers had their own ‘tested’ remedies for ‘curing’ the most common animal diseases and were reluctant to accept advice for ‘ alternative treatments from these foreigners’. President Paul Kruger (President of the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek) for instance, had his unique household remedy to treat rinderpest: four inches of tobacco, a cup of flour, about 250 mL of paraffin, and a bottle of water. There was also strong resistance and even antagonism from farmers against disease control measures as they believed it impinged on their existence rights. Despite all the political and cultural resistance, the first diptank in South Africa was erected in 1902 at Baynesfield in Port Natal. However, it was only put into use after fierce political arguments and heavy debate between the government and the local farming community. Veterinary field services in the post-colonial period after 1910 After the unification of South Africa in 1910, the veterinary services organisations in the four provinces (previously the Cape Colony, Port Natal, Orange River Colony and the Transvaal) were united into the Veterinary Services of South Africa. Policy differences and power struggles between leading veterinarians at the time resulted in a loose relationship between the research and field services. It was realised that it was important not only to regain the trust and understanding of the farmers but also to inform them of the latest developments in agriculture. For that purpose an information train was built, of which one of the 14 carriages was allocated to veterinary services. The train undertook 22 tours. In 1968 Dr Lambrechts, as the first Director of Veterinary Services, was a visionary, and under his guidance, he changed the newly established Division into a functional and effective field service. An integral part of the service was a strong supportive veterinary livestock inspection service. The service consisted of a centralised veterinary service subdivided into seven veterinary regions with ultimate responsibility to and under the control of the central veterinary headquarters in Pretoria. An extensive regional veterinary laboratory system for the Division of Veterinary Services was also established. Part of the service was the erection of a stock-proof fence of over 2500 km for foot and mouth disease control. Photo: Courtesy Unisa Dr Paul van der Merwe
Vetnuus | April 2025 9 After the election and constitutional change in South Africa in 1994, the veterinary field services were subjected to some drastic changes. The nine new provinces received a strong legislative mandate in terms of the new Constitution to manage their own veterinary services. National veterinary services retained the legislative mandate of national legislation for animal disease control. From Stock Inspectors to Animal Health Technicians “Brandziekte” inspectors in the 1800s, the dip inspectors, diptank assistants and “smeeronderzoekers” [smear examiners] were the origins of the later stock inspectors. During the period 1950–1989, the number of para-veterinary personnel totalled more than 1000, with an average of nine to fifteen stock inspectors per state veterinary area. They were accountable to their local state veterinarian but were, overall, guided by the national authority’s Control Stock Inspector in Pretoria. The post was unfortunately abandoned in 1996, because similar posts were created in the respective provinces. Stock inspectors were the ‘eyes and ears’ of their supervising state veterinarians. They were inter alia responsible for securing the veterinary stock-proof fence of more than 2500 km. During the 1990s, it was realised that a more secure career pathway needed to be established for stock inspectors. Approval was obtained from the Public Service Commission to introduce a post-matriculation technical course for the new animal health technician career structure created in veterinary field services to replace stock inspectors. In 1995, the occupational class of ‘stock inspector’ was officially deleted from the books of government and replaced with animal health technicians. AHTs Today Animal Health Technicians in South Africa qualify from two institutions, North West University and Unisa. It is a three-year full-time diploma in Animal Health and or a four-year full-time degree, BSc in Animal Health. The qualification is however structured for production animal support. Animal Health Technicians, although trained to replace the government’s stock inspectors and to be employed by the government, are employed within the government and the private sector due to financial constraints faced by the government and the oversupply of AHTs. This led to a situation where large numbers of the AHTs were unemployed. The two major Key Performance Areas with specific indicators/activities they were: • Disease isease control such as tuberculosis, brucellosis, Foot and Mouth Disease and rabies, and • Farmers’ support and development through training and extension services, mentorship for emerging farmers, the so-called primordial services, and primary animal health care. AHTs – Own Practices Due to the need for veterinary services in rural areas and the large amount of unemployed animal health technicians, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in collaboration with the World Veterinary Association (WVA) FAO/WVA Project. The FAO Veterinary ParaProfessional (VPP) Program was an initiative aimed at strengthening the role of veterinary para-professionals (VPPs), in South Africa’s case Animal Health Technicians, in animal health, welfare, and disease control. Key Aspects of the FAO VPP Program were : • Capacity Building and Training to develop standardised training programs for AHTs to improve their skills and competencies, especially for small animals. • Regulation and Certification through the relevant, SA Veterinary Council, to define the roles, responsibilities, and certification of AHTs. • Disease Surveillance and Control training to assist in disease prevention, early detection, and response. • A One Health approach to integrate AHTs into broader public health, food security, and animal production initiatives. • Community-Level Veterinary Support to strengthen veterinary services in rural and underserved areas, ensuring better animal healthcare. Although SAVA supported and was involved in the project, which led to the eventual authority for AHTs to work for own gain, some of our recommendations were not taken note of and incorporated into the Rules and Regulations promulgated led to a situation that the original aim of the project is misconstrued. The additional training for the AHTs is provided by the Tsolo Agriculture & Rural Development Institute (TARDI). On 9 December 2022, the new Rules Relating to the Practising of Para-Veterinary Profession of ASnimal Health Technician was promulgated. Leading Article >>>10
Vetnews | April 2025 10 « BACK TO CONTENTS SERVICES PERTAINING SPECIALLY TO THE ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICIAN PROFESSION So what are the services that can be rendered by Animal Technicians? They can render the following general services: • Surveillance and inspection of all animals, and where relevant the reporting of all diseases listed by the World Organisation of Animal Health (OIE), where relevant. • The formulation and implementation of preventative measures, including biosecurity measures, in animals, to prevent, and/or control animal diseases. • The formulation and implementation of parasite control programmes in animals. • Carry out abattoir inspections, and audits at abattoirs & processing plants and report to the relevant authorized veterinary professional/authorities per relevant legislation. • The registration and renewal of abattoirs, promote the upgrading of abattoirs, facilitate and encourage the establishment of new abattoirs in disadvantaged areas per relevant legislation. • Carry out abattoir inspections and report in writing to the Veterinary Public Health Directorate/s of the National and Provincial Departments of Agriculture in respect of essential national standards provided that the Animal Health Technician is trained to perform such a task. • Carry out meat inspections and other duties under the relevant legislation, if authorized/delegated thereto by the Provincial executive officer and have undergone training on meat inspection. • Perform delegated duties pertaining to regulated animal diseases, listed under the relevant animal disease control legislation, including the various eradication schemes, including but not limited to the: o Brucellosis eradication scheme or any animal disease declared as a controlled or notifiable disease in the country. o Collecting samples or specimens for testing of diseases for the diagnosis to be made by a veterinarian; and o Testing of animals for tuberculosis through an intradermal tuberculin test, including interpretation of the test, provided that the animal health technician passed an accredited course. • Extension services (including training and education) to protect and promote the health and well-being of animals and humans. • The collection, capturing and evaluation of data and the compiling of reports. • The collection of specimens to assist in the investigation of reproductive and fertility-related problems in animals on referral by a veterinarian, within the scope of practice of animal health technicians. • The collection and preparation of specimens, including blood smears, brain smears, impression smears, skin scrapings, wool scrapings, faeces specimens and biopsies, except where anaesthesia is required, from animals on referral of or in consultation with a veterinarian. • Carry out basic post-mortem examination of specimens for the collection and submission of specimens for microbiological, toxicological, histopathological and serological investigation animals on the referral of or in consultation with a veterinarian. Leading Article
Vetnuus | April 2025 11 Leading Article • An animal health technician may assist a veterinary professional within his/her (the animal health technician’s) scope of practice. • Issue a record of vaccination (excluding any veterinary certificates or certificates for purposes of export). • Fluid therapy, where indicated; and • The performing of euthanasia on highly suspect rabies by the use of medicines under the direct supervision/ instruction of a State veterinarian or veterinarian (extension of registration as an AHT required). These functions are not much different from those performed previously by stock inspectors/animal health technicians before the change in the Rue and Regulations. However, these services might now be performed from a registered Primary Animal Health Care facility for his/her own benefit. To perform these functions, AHTs must have the relevant training to do the procedures and be registered with the Council. It is important to note that certain of these services/procedures, as highlighted, may only be performed under the direct supervision or instruction of a veterinarian. The Veterinary Team The million Rand question is, how must we as veterinarians approach this ruling? We can try to change the Regulation or parts thereof, a task that will not be easily achieved, if ever, or we must embrace the change and see how it can work in our favour. If we look at veterinary services as a system, its origins in primordial veterinary services through primary, secondary, tertiary and eventually quaternary or rehabilitative services, and we can comprehend the scope of the veterinary and each para-veterinary profession and build that into a comprehensive team, AHTs can play an important role in every veterinary practice human resource arsenal, or an extension of the veterinary practice. In the words of Thomas S. Monson, the past is (and that includes the promulgated AHT Rules and Regulations) behind us, learn from it, the future is ahead of us, prepare for it, and the present is here, live it. Contemplate in the present how you can integrate the AHTs as part of your veterinary team for the benefit of the health and welfare of animals and humans alike. v Photo: Courtesy SAVC Photo: Courtesy Farmers Weekly
Vetnews | April 2025 12 « BACK TO CONTENTS Abstract. This research seeks to expand the in-depth knowledge on the ethical dilemmas veterinary doctors face while providing care for homeless animals, brought to clinics by volunteers. Fifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with veterinary doctors in Latvia. The study reveals the complex emotions involved in the interactions between veterinarians and volunteers, as well as the factors affecting a veterinarian’s decision made about homeless animals. The results show a positive attitude towards the altruism of volunteers, but significant concerns around financial matters and the use of animals for fundraising. Debates about charging for stray care highlight potential disagreements between veterinarians and activists. Veterinarians prioritise education and advocacy, providing compassionate assistance to pet owners. Societal expectations strongly shape how they perceive their role, emphasising the reduction of animal suffering and the improvement of animal welfare. Introduction The study of animal rights activism and its associated movements has gained significant attention in research over the past few decades (Lucardie, 2020; Schwarz, 2021; Backlund & Jungar, 2022). Scholars focus on examining not only the underlying motivations that drive individuals to engage in animal rights-related activities or volunteer work but also the interconnected advocacy domains associated with such endeavours. A recent Šeiko & Nikišins (TBP) study pertained to the perspectives of volunteers who help homeless animals. It focused on volunteers’ beliefs regarding veterinary practitioners’ stance towards animal rights activism and helping homeless animals. Some participants expressed the view that veterinarians are likely to have limited interest in advocating for animal rights in general, prioritising financial gain over animal welfare, especially having a lack of interest in assisting stray animals. The research findings point towards a discrepancy between the perspectives of volunteers and the prevailing perception of veterinarians as compassionate people who are ready to provide care for any animal (Merle & Küper, 2021; Varela & Correia, 2023). While the basic tenet of the contemporary veterinary profession revolves around serving as an “advocate”, engaging with animal rights matters regularly through their communication with Bridging Compassion and Commerce: Veterinarians’ Ethical Dilemmas in Providing Care for Homeless Animals *Staņislavs Šeiko, Aleksandra Možarova, Jurijs Ņikišins University of Latvia, 19 Raina Blvd., Riga, Latvia
Vetnuus | April 2025 13 Article >>>14 companion animal owners (Graaf, 2005; McGlacken, Anderson & HobsonWest, 2023), the sociological understanding of the involvement of veterinarians in the realm of homeless animal rights remains limited. It can be assumed that the reason for these limitations lies in the lack of scholarly attention within the social sciences to the involvement of veterinarians in animal rights activism during the 2000s. This can be attributed to the historical concentration of the veterinary profession on animal health, as noted by Jones (2003). In recent years, there has been an increase in attention towards veterinarians, prompting public discourse on the legal and ethical treatment of animals and their welfare within society (Grimm, 2014). This is due to the societal expectation that veterinarians should serve just as advocates for animals (De Paula Vieira & Anthony, 2020) in safeguarding the wellbeing of their patients (Rathwell-Deault et al., 2017). The studies can be categorised into two distinct areas of focus: addressing ethical quandaries within veterinary practices and redefining the professional responsibilities of veterinary practitioners. Existing research primarily centres on the ethical predicaments encountered by veterinary doctors in their daily practice, particularly when confronted with conflicting values and difficult decision-making processes (Tannenbaum, 1995; Morgan & McDonald, 2007; DeSantis Kerr et al., 2016; Moses, 2018; Perssons et al., 2023). This body of literature predominantly focuses on the ethical considerations surrounding the convenient euthanasia of animals that are physically and psychologically healthy (Morgan, 2009; Rollin, 2011; Moses, Malowney & Boyd, 2018; Arbe Montoya et al., 2019; Dürnberger, 2020; Glaesmer et al., 2021). The study conducted by Rathwell-Deault et al. (2017) examined the ethical dilemma of veterinarians in Quebec when required to euthanise a physically and psychologically healthy animal). The findings indicated that a majority of veterinarians would opt to carry out euthanasia of healthy animals due to the perceived lack of the animal’s moral value, which is influenced by the bond between the owner and the animal. According to Jacobsson & Lindblom (2016), the legislation governs the overall parameters of euthanasia, including the necessary conditions and medical protocols. However, it is important to note that the ultimate determination of whether to proceed with euthanasia or not remains contingent upon individual perspectives rather than being solely dictated by local legislation. The study conducted by Kipperman, Morris, & Rollin (2018) has provided insights into the perspectives held by veterinarians concerning the practice of euthanising animals. A significant proportion of the participants, specifically 45 per cent, expressed their agreement with the notion that they occasionally employ euthanasia in challenging situations, even when it may not align with the optimal welfare of the patient. Within veterinary literature, two distinct models outline the actions a doctor may take when faced with an ethical dilemma. The first model, known as the anthropocentric action model, does not consider the interests and needs of animals due to their status as property (RathwellDeault et al., 2017). In contrast, the second model, referred to as the biocentric model, acknowledges animals as moral beings, equivalent to humans (Rollin, 2006). These models provide a connection between veterinarians and proponents of animal rights, like Singer (1975), Regan (1983), and Francione (2000), while also establishing a connection between veterinary medicine and social studies. According to Siegford, Cottee, & Widowski (2010), since 2005 there has been evidence of a shift in the professional responsibilities of veterinarians. For example, in a study on redefining professional responsibilities, Dolby & Litster (2015) focused on the educational function of veterinarians in the domains of animal welfare and the human-animal link. They put forward the argument that veterinarians should not be perceived only as medical personnel, but also as volunteers. The survey revealed limited agreement among participants on the subject matter of animal welfare and the relationship between humans and animals. The emphasis placed by veterinarians on the human perspective rather than the animal perspective within the realm of animal rights activism was underscored. Additionally, Dolby & Litster (2015) have highlighted that veterinarians still do not perceive themselves as educators of pet owners. The current study has also failed to consider the matter of animal value as seen by owners, resulting in the researchers drawing the inference that stray dogs had diminished worth due to the absence of an emotional link to people. Nevertheless, while this assertion aligns with the attitude of volunteers who assist with the care of homeless animals (Šeiko & Ņikišins, TBP), it would be hasty to generalise that all veterinarians adhere to this standpoint. An answer provided by Rollin (2005) in the Canadian Veterinary Journal addressed the ethical inquiry regarding the professional and ethical responsibilities of veterinarians. The question posed was whether veterinarians should allow the population of cats to be subject to “natural selection” or bear the economic burden of treating stray cats. Rollin emphasised that the veterinarian’s foremost obligation is to alleviate suffering by euthanising animals that have little chance of recovery and to prioritise the sterilisation of a significant number of animals. The application of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association’s guideline to safeguard animals from pain, injury, anxiety, and discomfort is evident in this particular instance (Terrestrial Animal Health Code, 2016; Ryan et al., 2019). Rollin (2011) suggests that veterinarians might employ innovative strategies to encourage public donations for the care of injured and unidentified animals brought to clinics by volunteers who lack the financial means to cover the expenses. The literature analysis poses a question that this study must answer: does a moral dilemma arise when volunteers bring homeless animals (usually cats) to clinics for treatment? In the case of stray cats, it is not feasible to attribute the concept of property status to an animal. Some volunteers in the Šeiko & Ņikišins (TBP) study proposed that veterinarians adopt the role of medical specialists and are not interested in animal rights advocacy. This unflattering attitude can be caused by the high costs of veterinary services and volunteers’ endeavours to fight not only for animal rights, but also for donations to cover treatment costs (Kipperman, Rollin, & Martin, 2021). Additionally, it suggests a potential conflict between volunteers assisting homeless animals and veterinary professionals. Therefore, this study aims to enhance the overall understanding of the ethical dilemmas veterinary doctors face while providing
Vetnews | April 2025 14 « BACK TO CONTENTS Article care for homeless animals based on their beliefs about their role in improving the well-being of homeless animals. The emphasis on this area is justified since veterinarians in small animal clinics often encounter the responsibility of treating homeless animals that are brought in by volunteers and by focusing on this particular group, the study can offer a more comprehensive and pertinent understanding of the specific challenges and moral issues in an evolving legal and social context. The research has been conducted in Latvia, a small European country with a high number of veterinarians per capita – 1.3 veterinarians per 1000 inhabitants (Federation of Veterinarians of Europe, 2019). It is important to note that Latvia has a developing legal framework, limited rights for veterinarians, and ongoing social debates regarding the extent of animal rights. Three research questions are raised in this paper: 1. How do veterinarians perceive and evaluate the role of volunteer organisations? Specifically, are there any similarities and/or differences in vets’ understanding of the concepts of “rescuing” or “helping” animals compared to volunteers? 2. What are the veterinarians’ beliefs about their involvement in addressing violence against homeless animals, and how closely do their beliefs align with their actions? 3. What are the key factors that impact veterinarians’decisionmaking and behaviour when confronted with ethical challenges relating to homeless animals in their practice? This study centres on the animal rights beliefs-based ethical decisions made by veterinary doctors in situations of ethical challenges or during contact with homeless animals, brought to clinics by homeless animal help volunteers. The analysis sheds light on complicated emotions-influenced relationships between vets and volunteers, as well as on factors that impact a veterinarian’s decision-making process regarding homeless animals. Materials and Methods This study employed a qualitative approach, as the authors anticipated that respondents would share their narratives on certain subjects and could freely express themselves (Mason, 1998; Morris, 2015). The use of semi-structured in-depth interviews appeared to be the most suitable approach as this methodology utilises the narratives of veterinarians. By employing this method, we gained insight into the interviewees’ real experiences and understood their perspectives in their daily lives. The initially recruited participants were veterinarians residing in Riga. Three participants were identified through their engagement in veterinary forums on Facebook or by their response to an email addressed to veterinary clinics in Riga, where they were invited to participate in the research. The fourth participant showed a notable level of enthusiasm towards the research issue, leading her to willingly accept the offer to engage in an online discussion hosted by the Latvian Veterinary Association. This veterinarian doctor assumed the role of a gatekeeper and afterwards, following the distribution of the call for volunteers, eight veterinarian doctors expressed their interest in participating in the study. Furthermore, the authors were invited to present their research findings at the annual meeting of Latvian veterinary professionals scheduled for April 2023. Following the conference, a greater number of veterinarians indicated their desire to articulate their perspectives on issues of ethics encountered in their professional practice. The respondents were drawn from a diverse range of veterinary clinics, each with varying levels of experience: 5 respondents with up to 5 years of experience, 8 respondents with 5 to 10 years of practice, and 2 respondents with more than 20 years of experience. A total of 15 semi-structured interviews were performed with veterinary doctors in Latvia between January and November of 2023. The ethical considerations for this study were established by the guidelines outlined by Creswell & Creswell (2018), no additional ethical approval by the author’s institution was required. The consent document was verbally presented to all participants and given that the interviews were performed remotely over Zoom or MS Teams, the participants verbally gave their consent. The average duration of the interviews was around 1 hour. Interviews were conducted in the native languages of the informants, namely Latvian or Russian. All interviews were captured using audio equipment and afterwards transcribed in their entirety. The anonymity of the participants was safeguarded through the utilisation of pseudonymisation techniques, which involved replacing the actual identities of the respondents with fictitious ones during both the recording and transcribing phases. To address the ethical issues inherent in daily activities and the potential for intensely personal interviews, the authors adhered to the concepts of “empathetic interviewing” (Fontana & Frey, 2008) and retained“ethical mindfulness”(Guillemin & Gillam, 2004) in their conduct. To establish trust and minimise emotional discomfort, the initial inquiries were centred on the individuals’ good experiences in their journey toward becoming veterinarians. The more delicate and potentially damaging questions were reserved for the middle phase of the interview, as suggested by King & Horrocks (2012) and Morris (2015). Results and Discussion The interview transcriptions and data coding methods were conducted following Saldana’s (2021) methodology using NVivo14 software. With a focus on the study subject, we generated codes using affective and exploratory coding methods (Miles, Huberman, & Saldana, 2014). During the process of First cycle coding 89 open codes emerged, which during the Second cycle were organized into 19 patterns or distinct categories: Attitudes, Homeless animal, Volunteers, Other animal, Euthanasia, Emotions, Routine, Education, Laws and penalties, Role, Companion Animal, Narrative, Finances, Profession, Food and Veterinary Service, Pain and Death, Beliefs, Violence, and Owner. The category Volunteers contains four codes: Relationship with volunteers, Common with volunteers, Contradictions with volunteers, and Perceptions of volunteering as a business. Exploring
Vetnuus | April 2025 15 Article the perception and evaluation of veterinarians on the role of volunteers, by focusing on the hierarchy charts of intersecting codes and analysing the Items coded for the code Relationship with volunteers, it becomes apparent that it is also associated with Emotion codes, code Beliefs toward violence, and code Financial matters. The participants mostly speak about their positive attitude regarding the volunteers’ motivation and share stories about volunteers who have brought stray animals to their clinics. “I believe volunteers’ motivation is very noble. Good. Who will take care of animals anyway?” Veterinarians acknowledge that financial considerations significantly impact both the field of veterinary medicine as a whole and the capacity to offer aid to homeless animals specifically. Simultaneously, they dismiss criticism from volunteers of their refusal to provide medical care to stray animals without compensation. This subject will emerge as a major topic in discussions on discrepancies with activists and aligns with Kipperman, Rollin, & Martin’s (2021) findings about the perception of veterinarians as professionals placing more importance on financial profit rather than animal welfare. Contradictions with volunteers persist with a predominant focus on codes such as Negative emotions, Perspectives on violence, Pain, Financial matters, and Rights of homeless animals. The subject of the Euthanasia code also arises. This concept can also be represented through detailed and engaging stories, explaining the vets’ belief that it is rude to claim that veterinarians pursue their job solely for financial gain even from a strictly economic perspective: an individual dedicates 6 years to studying and continues to invest significant effort in their profession throughout their life after graduation. Also because of emotional stress the suicide rates are high: “Activists see animals that are stray hurting or that they are doing well in their new homes. But they do not see veterinary medicine as a whole. <…> To see an animal suffering from the same illnesses and to fight for that animal, along with the animal and its owners, is an incredibly stressful job. <…> I can say that it is hard on an emotional level. We see deaths every day, and each case is different. And we all must deal with pain, suffering, blood, and other fluids every day.” The increased level of stress and emotional burden experienced by veterinarians is consistent with the conclusions drawn by RathwellDeault et al. (2017), who observed that veterinarians encounter substantial ethical issues, particularly in relation to euthanasia. This concept is expanded upon under the perspective of viewing volunteering as a sort of business. Within the context of this perception, such codes as Negative emotions, Pain, Violence, Financial matters, Laws, and Euthanasia are prevalent. “The statutes of these volunteer groups are great, and they ask for donations. But, as you may have noticed, they’re all pretty weird in the end. It turns out that they show strange images of animals that don’t exist or are made up. I think that as long as someone can use an animal to make money, there is a very, very high chance that they will do this.” Veterinarians argue that volunteers use aged or chronically ill animals to get donations from sympathetic individuals. According to the participants, it is not worthwhile to make extensive efforts to prolong the life of a disabled animal, especially if it is unlikely to be adopted. Instead, it would be better to allocate the received donations towards sterilising and treating young animals that can be easily socialised. “I don’t like putting terrible pictures all over the internet to get money from people. At the same time, if they are young kittens - they need to be vaccinated, they need to be castrated, they need to be put together everywhere - and people will take them.” However, there is also a common veterinarians’ devotion to volunteers, exemplified by codes such as Positive emotions, Role in the preservation of animal rights, and Beliefs about homeless animals’ rights. Like volunteers, doctors hold the belief that homeless animals possess inherent rights (some sources argue that it is more accurate to refer to them as “freedoms” rather than “rights”), which are frequently constrained or violated because of human actions. Considering comparing the rights of domestic and homeless animals, several veterinarians claimed that domestic animals also lack certain rights that stray animals possess, such as the freedom to hunt and take extensive walks. “I think that stray cats that live outdoors are happier than cats that live in one-room apartments and can’t go anywhere. This is just my view, though.” The belief in the inherent rights or freedoms of homeless animals supports the broader ethical framework within which veterinarians operate, as elucidated by Graaf (2005) and McGlacken, Anderson, & HobsonWest (2023). This framework emphasises the advocacy role of veterinarians, not only in relation to pets but also to homeless animals, linking their professional obligations to wider animal welfare objectives. While examining veterinarians’ perspectives on their role in addressing violence against homeless animals, NVivo provided a visualisation that highlighted the key role of veterinarians in educating pet owners and society. According to the respondents, the veterinarian’s function is defined by expertise, since the owner lacks or has minimal knowledge about the animals, making it challenging for them to comprehend some aspects. This issue is not only pertinent to medical treatment and animal welfare but also from the perspective of environmental health. By addressing the health of individual patients, it contributes to the overall wellbeing of society. An example of this is the prevention of zoonotic diseases. This educational role of veterinarians is crucial, as highlighted by Dolby & Litster (2015), who argue that veterinarians should not only be seen as medical professionals but also as educators who can influence public perceptions and behaviours towards animal welfare. This dual role can help bridge the gap between veterinary practice and animal rights activism. Semi-structured interviews allowed the building of trust with respondents and enabled the exploration of intricate intersections between perspectives on the rights of homeless animals and their choices within the context of medical reality. All informants acknowledge the existence of rights (or freedoms) in homeless animals, which are violated by individuals (including former owners) in numerous ways. The empathetic dedication to animals in need of medical assistance, along with an understanding of their role in helping reduce pain, confronts the challenging truth of the monetary costs of veterinary medicine. This growing mental load and the resulting burnout are critical issues that reflect the broader ethical quandaries and emotional burdens faced by veterinarians, as detailed by Moses, Malowney, & Wesley Boyd (2018). Although the veterinarian’s main mission is for the welfare of animals rather than focus on financial concerns, our study revealed that Bridging Compassion and Commerce: Veterinarians’ Ethical Dilemmas in Providing Care for Homeless Animals <<<14
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