Questions from Reverse Lecture Flashcards
Which reason best describes the benefit for using ethical frameworks for decision-making in veterinary practice?
It promotes an understanding of any disagreement on animal care
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?
Consequential based arguments
A utilitarian view on animal production is best supported by which of the following?
The need to provide food for humans should outweigh all negative impacts on animals
Regarding theories about using animals for medical research, which statement is correct?
A utilitarian view is that total harm incurred by animals must be outweighed by the benefit to humans
Regarding the ethical frameworks used in animal ethics, which is correct?
The basic focus within each viewpoint is usually consistent (e.g. animal suffering is the key tenet)
As a scientist, which of the following is NOT a basic (required) feature of a sentient animal?
Mirroring (e.g. the ability to imitate) – all animals are sentient, but not all animals can imitate
There are several definitions of sentience and consciousness. Which of the following is incorrect?
Sentience = separate biological concept to that of feelings or emotions
Which philosopher said, “The question is not can they reason, can they talk, but can they suffer?”?
Jeremy Bentham
On what grounds do we assign legal rights to a living being in Australia?
Being a Homo sapiens
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?
Cattle
Who should be the expert advocate for animals?
The vet
Which of the following views prioritises the consideration of all affected sentient beings (human and non-human)?
Animal rights (deontology)
A moral hierarchy of attitudes to animals exists (socio-zoological) in today’s society. Which factor is generally NOT included in this rating system?
Sentience
What should underpin all decisions about animal ethics and welfare (e.g. shelter management, horse racing, etc.)?
Animal welfare science (evidence based)
What does animal welfare mean?
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.
If welfare science is to inform society, what 3 main concepts of welfare must be understood?
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
List advantages and disadvantages of using 5 freedoms of the 5 domains to assess welfare:
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.
