Margaret E. Cooper

Ethical and legal implications of treating casualty wild animals

THE care of wildlife presents many veterinary challenges and dilemmas. The animals are, by definition, ‘wild’ and as such have no owner. Diagnosis and treatment can be time‐consuming, frustrating and expensive. Care of wild animals is complicated by their being particularly susceptible to stressors and other adverse effects of close contact with humans and confinement in captivity. Despite great advances in wildlife, zoo and exotic animal medicine in recent years, relatively little information is available about the biology, let alone the veterinary care, of the majority of wild species that may be presented for examination and treatment. These difficulties are compounded by the fact that in the UK, and many other countries, wildlife species are protected under national legislation and other statutes may apply to some of them. Veterinary surgeons who are involved in treating casualty wild animals must, therefore, be aware of the relevant legislation and abide by it. They also need to be able to advise clients appropriately. In addition to the practicalities and legal considerations of wildlife care outlined above, there are numerous ethical dilemmas confronting those who involve themselves in such work. These are often complex and the solutions are usually not clear cut. This article discusses ethical and legal aspects of treating casualty wild animals, with particular reference to the situation, as it stands, in the UK, but drawing, where appropriate, on the authors’ own experience and relevant information from elsewhere.

Community responsibility and legal issues

The avian and exotic practitioner has to be well informed about the law and professional ethics particularly relevant to his or her specialist practice. In addition, it is important to be aware of the impact of animal ethical issues. The veterinarian has varied opportunities to contribute to the community through professional or other expertise, and these opportunities should be considered when developing a practice management plan.

Future trends in forensic veterinary medicine

Forensic work concerning birds and other exotic animals and wildlife is increasing in importance. The veterinary profession, including practitioners, has an important role to play. There is a need to enhance the awareness of veterinarians, to introduce teaching and specialized training, and to provide access to information. Systems and protocols, some similar to those used in human forensic medicine, must be established and used. Research and development of new techniques are essential. Forensic veterinary medicine is as yet not a recognized discipline but is rapidly evolving. New challenges demand new approaches.

Birds, exotic animals, and the law

The forensic veterinarian requires an understanding of the law that underlies the work that he or she carries out when providing an opinion or acting as an expert witness or as an adviser in cases involving avian or other exotic species. In such situations, some aspect of the law relating to animals is normally involved and an overview of this field of law provides a background to the veterinary and scientific contributions to this topic.

Maxwell Knight – ‘the spy who loved nature’

This year, 2018, marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Maxwell Knight, OBE, FLS. A symposium in November will provide an opportunity for veterinary surgeons and others, especially those interested in conservation, captive-breeding of endangered species and public education, to learn more about ‘the spy who loved nature’. To listeners of his BBC radio broadcasts in the 1950s, 60s and 70s, Knight was the avuncular, original ‘Nature Detective’, an avid keeper of animals including a bear, a bulldog, a baboon and a parrot, and …

Animal Experimentation in Africa: Legislation and Guidelines: Prospects for Continued Progress

Abstract Animal experimentation is common in Africa, despite the fact that legislation in the field is scarce. This chapter is aimed at investigating and reviewing shortfalls in the legislation and guidelines concerning animal welfare in general and laboratory animal experimentation, in particular, in Africa. This was done by studying current legislation in Africa, uncovering the main issues and discussing various prospects for improvement. The discovered issues included the lack of specific regulation of the welfare of animals in research, the inaccessibility of existing legislation, the lack of enforcement mechanisms, and the difficulties of prioritizing animal welfare in an underdeveloped region. African legislation on animal experimentation is in urgent need of review. In order for the relevant legislation to meet international standards, significant improvements must be made.

Forensics in Kenya: BSAVA funded forensics workshop in Kenya

The BSAVA made a £6000 grant to enable John and Margaret Cooper to provide a much-needed forensics workshop at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine in Kabete in Kenya.