Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Did you see his mother?
labrador retriever pup
“We are responsible if we fail to do something to prevent an animal suffering harm, even if we are not directly in charge of that animal or in control of it”.
Pet imports: the legal and moral responsibilities of veterinary professionals

Sometimes, facts and figures published in isolation have a limited impact yet, when taken together, can represent a cogent call for veterinary professionals to step up to the plate and take action.

Such is the case with the illegal importation of pet/exotic animals, the sale of pets via online advertising, and the ignorance – wilful or otherwise – shown by pet owners as to their legal responsibilities to the pets they own.

Figures released earlier this year by the Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (now called the Animal and Plant Health Agency) showed that 376 dogs were stopped coming through the ports in 2013 because of non-compliance with the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), compared to 96 in 2011.

Then, only a few days ago, a letter to the Veterinary Record (Vol 175, No 17) described a case of distemper in a bitch that had been imported from Bulgaria. Its writers stated: "While the risk of introducing rabies by this mechanism is clearly of major concern, the authors wish to highlight the possibility that importation of dogs, whether controlled or illicit, has the potential to reintroduce other infectious diseases that are currently considered to be rare in the UK, unless suitable controls and checks are implemented."

These risks are greatly enhanced by the exponential growth in unscrupulous online advertising of pet and exotic animals, something that is now being addressed in a more cohesive manner by the Pet Advertising Advisory Group (PAAG). In the absence of the Government’s willingness to legislate in this area, the PAAG is seeking innovative solutions to combat the problem and is looking to the veterinary professions to be much more proactive in helping it blow the whistle on cases of malpractice.

In the busyness of everyday practice life, there is a natural temptation to bury our heads in the next case and to devolve responsibility to others – invoking the classic ‘they’ who ‘should do something about it!’ Why should I care where the puppy came from?

In his presentation to veterinary nurses at the BVNA Congress, RSPCA chief vet, James Yeates, pointed out in no uncertain terms the legal responsibilities that pet owners and veterinary professionals have towards the welfare of animals committed to their care, no matter how indirect or tenuous that connection might at first appear.

“We have a duty not to harm and we are responsible if we fail to do something to prevent an animal suffering harm, even if we are not directly in charge of that animal or in control of it,” he said. “Vet nurses have an increased duty of care; and by taking on their professional role are more aware of welfare issues and take on additional legal and moral responsibilities.”

It is worth considering how much more could be done to advance the aims of the PAAG in particular, and the welfare of pets across the board, simply by asking the question, “Did you see his (her) mother?” every time we are presented with a new puppy or kitten. And then acting on the answer according to the direction indicated by our moral and ethical compass rather than the clinical convenience of indifference.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Prof Joanne Webster elected as Fellow of the Royal Society

News Story 1
 Joanne Webster, a professor of parasitic diseases at the RVC, has been elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society (FRS).

An infectious disease expert, Prof Webster is known for promoting a One Health approach to disease control.

She completed her doctoral research in zoonotic disease and parasite-host interactions, and has since earned widespread recognition for contributions to parasitology and global health.

Prof Webster said: "I am truly honoured, and somewhat stunned, to be recognised alongside such an exceptional group of scientists." 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Germany FMD import restrictions eased

The UK government has lifted the import restrictions placed on FMD-susceptible commodities from Germany.

The decision comes after the country was recognised as foot-and-mouth disease free without vaccination on 14 May.

Imports of FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products from Germany were originally banned, after the country reported a case of FMD near Brandenburg in January. In March, the UK government permitted imports from outside of the outbreak zone.

Germany will now be able to import FMD-susceptible animals and their by-products into the UK, providing they meet other import conditions.

The decision follows rigorous technical assessment of measures in Germany. Defra says it will not hesitate respond to FMD outbreaks.