Position Statement
Published: November 2015
Revised: April 2020
Introduction
Matters pertaining to animal welfare are increasingly receiving public attention and garnering strong emotional reactions. When these issues involve veterinary services, the public understandably looks to the College of Veterinarians of Ontario for a response. This statement has been developed to assist the public in understanding the College Council’s position related to animal welfare in general.
Position Statement
The welfare of animals is a societal matter grounded in moral and ethical obligations. The veterinary profession swears its overarching commitment to animal health and wellbeing in the Veterinarians Oath.
When matters involving animal welfare and the practice of veterinary medicine are brought to the attention of the College, the Council of the College acknowledges its responsibility to debate, consider, and offer its perspective. In deciding whether to provide guidance to the profession and the public on topics impacting animal quality of life, the Council focusses its review on the relevant risks and consequences of the problem in relation to veterinary medicine. In particular, Council considers how its role in the licensure, accreditation, quality assurance and/or complaints management of veterinarians could be leveraged to positively influence outcomes that support animal health and wellbeing. Further, in determining any final decision on a College position on such important matters, the College is respectful of the leadership roles of the government agencies charged with monitoring animal welfare in the province of Ontario.
Resources
Animal Health Act (http://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/09a31)
Canadian Council on Animal Care (http://www.ccac.ca/en_/)
Canadian Federation of Humane Societies (http://cfhs.ca/)
CVMA Position Statements on Animal Welfare (http://www.canadianveterinarians.net/policy-advocacy/animal-welfare-positionstatements)
Canadian Virtual Centre for Poultry Welfare (http://poultrywelfarecentre.ca/)
Colonel KL Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare (http://www.uoguelph.ca/csaw/)
Animal Health Canada (https://animalhealthcanada.ca/)
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs – Animal Health and Welfare Branch (http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/food/inspection/ahwb_structure.htm)
Provincial Animal Welfare Services Act (https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/19p13)