VTMED 6734

Companion Animal Welfare Issues

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2021-2022.

Despite significant improvement being made over the last 10 years, homelessness remains one of the largest welfare issues for dogs and cats in this country with an estimated 3-4 million dogs and cats entering US animal shelters annually. While puppies and kittens and healthy adult dogs and cats are still euthanized in some shelters, euthanasia rates have dropped remarkably in the last decade. However, many animals are still bred and sold in the US in less than ideal conditions. The large population of free-roaming and feral cats is both a cause and effect of feline overpopulation; approaches to cat control are controversial and emotionally charged. Animal cruelty, abuse and neglect, including animal fighting and hoarding, represent issues with which veterinarians are becoming increasingly engaged in their communities.  As our community expands globally, welfare issues from abroad are also becoming more apparent. Other controversial issues that impact companion animal welfare include cosmetic/elective surgery, access to veterinary care, and quality of life measures with advancing technologies in veterinary medicine. The objective of the course is to provide information for veterinary students that enables them assume leadership roles with regards to these issues in their future communities. 

When Offered Spring.

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