Animal welfare placed on the curricula
The event, which took place in France between 13th and 15th May, not only celebrated Vet Year 2011 but debated education in the sector worldwide.
Hailed as a success by attendees, the conference saw more than 250 participants from veterinary faculties across the world gather alongside other relevant stakeholders including student bodies, pharmaceutical representatives and NGOs.
The WSPA International were in attendance at the two day event and the most important move for them was that the committee set up to co-ordinate recommendations for basic standards for all graduating vets, has decided to include animal welfare as an element 'fundamental to the entire curriculum', for the first time.
Ruth De Vere, Head of Education at WSPA International, said: "Vets can have a direct impact on the attitudes and behaviours of the general public towards animals, as advisers to owners, as well as to governments and corporations after this conference, where the world's veterinary elite came together globally for only the second time, I am hopeful that animal welfare will become an integral part of veterinary training."
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
