Questions from Reverse Lecture

Question 1

Which reason best describes the benefit for using ethical frameworks for decision-making in veterinary practice?

Answer 1

It promotes an understanding of any disagreement on animal care

Question 2

Infectious disease control in feral animals is based on principles that animals are culled to limit disease transmission to livestock (and humans). Which theory provides justification for this?

Answer 2

Consequential based arguments

Question 3

A utilitarian view on animal production is best supported by which of the following?

Answer 3

The need to provide food for humans should outweigh all negative impacts on animals

Question 4

Regarding theories about using animals for medical research, which statement is correct?

Answer 4

A utilitarian view is that total harm incurred by animals must be outweighed by the benefit to humans

Question 5

Regarding the ethical frameworks used in animal ethics, which is correct?

Answer 5

The basic focus within each viewpoint is usually consistent (e.g. animal suffering is the key tenet)

Question 6

As a scientist, which of the following is NOT a basic (required) feature of a sentient animal?

Answer 6

Mirroring (e.g. the ability to imitate) – all animals are sentient, but not all animals can imitate

Question 7

There are several definitions of sentience and consciousness. Which of the following is incorrect?

Answer 7

Sentience = separate biological concept to that of feelings or emotions

Question 8

Which philosopher said, “The question is not can they reason, can they talk, but can they suffer?”?

Answer 8

Jeremy Bentham

Question 9

On what grounds do we assign legal rights to a living being in Australia?

Answer 9

Being a Homo sapiens

Question 10

Public opinion is shifting with respect to the need to protect animals. Which were the first animal types globally to be legally protected from harm?

Answer 10

Cattle

Question 11

Who should be the expert advocate for animals?

Answer 11

The vet

Question 12

Which of the following views prioritises the consideration of all affected sentient beings (human and non-human)?

Answer 12

Animal rights (deontology)

Question 13

A moral hierarchy of attitudes to animals exists (socio-zoological) in today’s society. Which factor is generally NOT included in this rating system?

Answer 13

Sentience

Question 14

What should underpin all decisions about animal ethics and welfare (e.g. shelter management, horse racing, etc.)?

Answer 14

Animal welfare science (evidence based)

Question 15

What does animal welfare mean?

Answer 15

A state in which the animals lives – a subjective measure of physical and mental wellbeing based on the current understandings of the science. It involves our duties as scientists and veterinarians to animals to meet their needs.

Question 16

If welfare science is to inform society, what 3 main concepts of welfare must be understood?

Answer 16

That welfare is dependent on:

1) biological function (should function well),
2) subjective experience (should feel well)
3) the ability to lead reasonably natural lives

Question 17

List advantages and disadvantages of using 5 freedoms of the 5 domains to assess welfare:

Answer 17

5 Freedoms:
1) From thirst & hunger
2) From discomfort
3) From pain, injury and disease
4) From fear and distress
5) To express normal behaviour
• Structured checklist of what is ideal, but difficult to achieve all 5 at the same time.
• The Freedoms conflict – a compromise is inevitable (e.g. vaccination causing stress but preventing disease)
• Snapshots in time (ineffective for long-term issues)
• Most prevent harm or aversive stress  only lists the minimal requirement.

5 Domains:
1) Nutrition
2) Environment
3) Health
4) Behaviour
5) Mental state
• System based on the understanding that Domains 1-4 affect Domain 5.
• Understands that there must be compromise in welfare (Can be applied on-farm)
• Can apply welfare science principles to improve welfare.