1. Legal and ethical aspects of anaesthesia

Question 1

How does ‘The Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966)’ influence anaesthesia?

Answer 1

States that only a Veterinary Surgeon (VS) may practice veterinary surgery. Exceptions aply to registered and student veterinary nurses enrolled with the RCVS under the Schedule 3 Amendment Order (2002)

Question 2

How does ‘The Protection of Animals (Anaesthetics) Act (1964) influence anaesthesia?

Answer 2

The Acts prohibits any operation on an animal without the use of an anaesthetic (with or without the use of an instrument which involves interference with the sensitive tissue or the bone structure of an animal) other than:

• the making of injections or extractions by means of a hollow needle;
• any experiment duly authorised under the Animals (Scientific) Procedures Act 1986;
• the rendering in emergency of first aid for the purpose of saving life or relieving pain;
• the docking of the tail and amputation of the dew claws of a dog before its eyes are open;
• the castration of the following animals before they have reached the specified age:

bull - 2 months
sheep - 3 months
goat - 2 months
pig - 4 weeks.

• This does not apply to the castration of such animals by using a rubber ring or other device to constrict the flow of blood to the scrotum, unless the device is applied within the first week of life;
• any minor operation performed by a veterinary surgeon or veterinary practitioner, being an operation which, by reason of its quickness or painlessness, is customarily so performed without the use of an anaesthetic;

Question 3

How does ‘The Misuse of Drugs Act (1991 and 2001) Regulations’ influence anaesthesia?

Answer 3

Controls the production, supply, possession and storage of dangerous and Controlled drugs. Particularly Opioids.

Question 4

How does ‘The Health and Safety At Work Act (1974)’ influence anaesthesia?

Answer 4

Ensures risk assessments are in place for the safe handling of drugs. PPE should be available to ensure this.

Question 5

How does the ‘Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (2002)’ influence anaesthesia?

Answer 5

Risk assessments for the safe handling, storage and disposal of drugs.

Question 6

How does ‘The Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act (1986)’ influence anaesthesia?

Answer 6

Regulates the use of animals in scientific procedures. The Act requires a rigorous system of controls on scientific work on living animals, including the need for both the researcher and the project to be separately licensed, stringent safeguards on animal pain and suffering and general requirements to ensure the care and welfare of animals. (GOV.UK)

Question 7

How does the ‘Animal Welfare Act (2006)’ influence anaesthesia?

Answer 7

Ensures the 5 needs are met for animals staying in veterinary practice. Ensures that pain and suffering are kept to a minimum,

Question 8

How does the ‘RCVS’ influence anaesthesia?

Answer 8

Requires staff to follow the code of conduct and