Beyond animal welfare: The role of veterinary professionals in animal related ethical decision making

As professional veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses our RCVS oath requires us to promise that, above all, our constant endeavour will be to ensure the health and welfare of animals committed to our care. When considering ethically challenging areas such as the use of animals in situations such as circuses, food production, laboratory testing and performance sports, BVA’s animal welfare policy position suggests that these uses are acceptable provided the welfare of the animals involved is ensured. But what does ‘acceptable’ look like and is it ethically acceptable to us? How do we balance the interests of animals, owners, society, the environment, and professional integrity? Should vets and vet nurses in their working life ignore ethical concerns and concentrate only on ensuring animal welfare?

• Understand the terms 'animal welfare' and 'animal ethics' and how these are different and how they interact.
• Appreciate how professional responsibilities to a variety of stakeholders present challenges.
• Understand the practical frameworks that can help navigate ethical challenges in veterinary practice.