Week 7- Ethical and Welfare Considerations Flashcards
What is the animal welfare act 2006?
Principal law relating to animal welfare, protecting all vertebrate animals.
» Under the Act, owners and keepers have a duty of care to their animals and must make sure they
meet their needs:
* For a suitable environment and place to live
* For a suitable diet
* To exhibit normal behaviour patterns
* To be housed with, or apart from, other animals (if applicable)
* To be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease
What are considered offences under the animal welfare act?
Knowingly causing a protected animal to suffering unnecessarily
» Unreasonably allowing an animal in that person’s care to suffer from somebody else
» Mutilating an animal
* Docking a dog’s tail (unless exempt)
» Administering poison to a protected animal
» Animal fighting
* Promoting, paying, participating
What is the definition of a protected animal?
Commonly domesticated in the UK
* Under the control of man
* Not living in a wild state
How is the animal welfare act enforced?
A constable may seize an animal in relation to an animal fighting offence
» A constable may enter and search premises for the seizure of an animal related to fighting
When may an inspection be carried out under the animal welfare law?
Other offences need a warrant issued authorising an inspector or constable to search premises
* May require records to be produced relating to animal welfare
* May carry out inspection to check compliance with licence conditions
* May carry out inspection to check compliance with a registration
done by local authority insepector
What is the fine/ max prosecution by the animal welfare act?
» 5-year maximum sentence
» £20,000 fine
» Disqualification from animal ownership
Who are responsible for enforcing the animal welfare act?
Local authorities responsible for
enforcement
* Referred to recognised national
authority
* Inspectors have no statutory power
under AWA 2006 or common law
What are the 4 limitations of the RSPCA?
- Lack of legal authority
- Private Prosecutor status
- Reliance on public Donations
- Selective enforcement and regional variation
What are the AHC import requirements?
Microchipped (but doesn’t need to be registered
on UK database)
* Rabies vaccination at 12 weeks or older
* 21 days wait before travel
* Tapeworm treatment 1-5 days prior to entry to UK
What is lucys law?
Lucy’s Law came into effect April 2020 » Puppies and kittens must be sold directly from
breeder
» Licensed dog breeders must show puppies
interacting with their mother in place of birth
What are the vet obligations for puppy smuggling?
The RCVS will support any VS or RVN that reports suspected illegal smuggling on basis of animal
welfare or public interest
» There is no legal or professional obligation to inform the authorities and RCVS will support those who
do not wish to make a report
When should a vet report puppy smuggling to the APHA?
Suspected of rabies
What is an overwhelmed caregiver?
Problems in caring for animals may be triggered by change in
circumstances or resources
* Overaccumulation of animals from uncontrolled breeding, donation or other
means
* Makes initial effort to provide proper care but eventually gets overwhelmed
What is a rescue hoarder?
Strong sense of mission to save animals, irresistible compulsion
* Fears death of animals and opposes euthanasia
* Believes they are the only one who can provide adequate care
What is an exploiter hoarder?
Actively acquires animals purely to serve own needs
* Indifferent to their suffering, lacks empathy for other beings
What should you do before performing a novel treatment?
Accurately describe procedure – involve as little pain, discomfort, fear and other risks as possible
* Anticipated risks and benefits
* Adequate “advance consent for emergency procedures including euthanasia”
* Second vet as patient advocate and decision maker for withdrawal of treatment or euthanasia?
* Communication with the client
