Professional studies - animal abuse Flashcards
What are the 4 types of animal abuse?
Physical
Sexual
Emotional
Neglect
What are some examples of physical abuse?
Swinging by tail or limb Asphyxiation Drugs Microwaving Scalding
What are the different types of sexual animal abuse?
Bestiality
Zoophilia
What is zoophilia?
Affection or affinity for animals
What are some examples of emotional abuse?
Threatening behaviour
Verbal harassment
Animal may take aversive action if it has happened before
Coercive/controlling behaviour
Who is responsible for a pet?
Parent/adult is responsible, even if a child under 16 is looking after it
What are some things that can be withheld during neglect?
Food and water - both starvation and obesity
Shelter
Vet/med treatment - presenting animal to vet once disease has progressed unreasonably
Affection/companionship
What are two synonyms for animal abuse?
Non accidental injury
Battered child/pet syndrome
What are some examples of non accidental injury?
Forcible scalding
Cigarette burns
Spiral fractures - swung by a rope
What are some diagnostic pointers of non accidental injury?
History inconsistent with injury Discrepant history - same person each time, but vet team issue, people not communicating Repetitive injury Behaviour of parent/child/animal/owner Certain patterns of injury
What are some common behaviours of abused animals?
Subdued/frightened Behaviour change Frightened of men Desperate to please Freeze
What welfare offences are covered by the animal welfare act 2006?
Causing unnecessary suffering Mutilations Poisons Tail docking Animal fighting Duty of care Transfer of animals by sale or prize
What is the definition of suffering?
the bearing or undergoing of pain, distress or tribulation
What is the definition of tribulation?
A condition of great affliction, oppression or misery
What animals are protected under the animal welfare act?
Any animals that are of a kind commonly domesticated
Any animal that is under the control of man
Any animal that is not living in a wild state - trapped etc.
What are magistrates court limited to sentence?
6 months
12 months if multiple offences
What are indictable in crown court and how long?
Offences of section 4-8
Max 5 years
What is a lack of duty of care?
Failing to meet the needs of the animal to a good standard
What are the 5 freedoms?
Need for suitable environment Suitable diet Exhibit normal behaviour Housed with or apart from other animals Protected from pain/suffering/injury/disease
What are the roles of the vet in animal abuse cases?
Define the offences that have occured to the animal
Do a clinical examination - normal and abnormal findings
Attend court to give evidence and give written evidence
What does written evidence include?
Your qualification and experience
Declaration of understanding duties
Initial observations
Clinical findings
What is section 18(3)?
Permission for euthanasia of the animal
What is section 18(5)?
Permission to take possession of the animal
What is the definition of forensic veterinary pathology?
The study of disease/injury to an animal and its application to elucidate evidence for the courts
What are some differences between diagnostic and forensic post mortems?
Forensic - no history Take photos Remove all skin Special dissection Full documentation Retain everything as evidence - tamper proof
What are some challenges with forensic pathology?
State of remains
Overinterpretation - keep within area of expertise
Breadth of species
Cost
Emotional connection - make sure to have support and not dwell
Remaining independent, objective, unbiased
What should a vet do when the clinical signs dont match the history given by the owner?
Include non-accidental injury in the differential diagnoses
What does AVDR stand for?
Ask, validate, document, report/refer
When can vets breach confidentiality?
Animal shows signs of abuse Dangerous dog posing risk to safety Child/domestic abuse suspected Unlicensed breeder Information to help prosecute a crime
