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Post by bertie666 on Feb 27, 2011 20:52:56 GMT 1
I just printed off an application form for an Animal Welfare Officer for the RSPCA and came across the following paragraph - There are circumstances when you will be required to euthanase a healthy animal, e.g. unwanted cats or dogs where homes or boarding cannot be found. You will receive training to explain the ethics of these situations; however, if you believe either taking the decision to euthanase an animal and/or carrying out this task will be beyond you, you should not proceed with your application.  This read to me that the Animal Welfare Officer would be required to do the euthanasing - rather than a vet. Aside from the 'healthy animal' bit  So I did some research and came across the following which is a response to an email asking about the RSPCA's policy towards euthanasia Thank you for your recent enquiry expressing your concerns about the euthanasia of animals by student inspectors.
The training of student inspectors in all routes (by firearms and injection methods) of euthanasia is essential. While nobody becomes an inspector to euthanase animals, sometimes this is the kindest and only option, particularly with animals that are sick or injured. It is also sometimes necessary to euthanase those animals for which appropriate homes are not available and which would therefore endure long-term suffering through deprivation of basic needs (as far as domestic animals are concerned, this in itself reduces the space for an animal that could be rehomed).
All 'initial' euthanasia performed by staff members must be supervised by a veterinary surgeon to ensure that animals are not subjected to unnecessary stress. Where appropriate, sedation is used but the temperament of the animal is assessed before the process is undertaken.
I would like to assure you that all students are assessed for their competence before they are allowed to perform euthanasia unsupervised. The ethics of human destruction are an integral part of the training process and euthanasia is one of the most difficult areas for new inspectors to come to terms with. All students are trained in the theory and practice on prosthesis before being allowed anywhere near a live animal. www.veggieromance.com/f/49654Is it right that someone other than a qualified vet can legally euthanase animals? Should the RSPCA be allowed to have this euthanasia policy?! |
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Post by bertie666 on Feb 27, 2011 20:55:41 GMT 1
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lucyjk
Intermediate Poster
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Post by lucyjk on Feb 27, 2011 21:47:37 GMT 1
well i get the 'knackerman' out to shoot any of my horses that require being pts and hes certainly no vet. although obviously like thre rspca inspectors he is registered to do it. I have no issues with rspca officers euthanasing animals if they need it as a trip to the vets could take too long and prolong their suffering. I do however think its sad they have to euthanise healthy animals due to lack of space  |
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Post by anastasia55555 on Feb 27, 2011 22:42:27 GMT 1
There are other circumstances where non vets euthanise animals, like in lab research.
I looked to apply for RSPCA, and i didnt continue on that point
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Post by rosemaryhannah on Feb 27, 2011 23:03:43 GMT 1
Slaughter men are not vets either, are they? I think, legally, it comes down to the people who do the job being able to do it without causing unnecessary pain and suffering.
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Post by donnalex on Feb 27, 2011 23:14:11 GMT 1
'Humane' is key.
For an inspector to be effective they have to have the skills to do it when necessary I think. After all, an animal that is struggling needs to be put out of pain or distress as soon as possible not wait for a vet. Dont forget RSPCA deal with many calls about wild animals.
I could do it no problem with training and I would have no qualms either if the animal needed it.
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Post by bertie666 on Feb 27, 2011 23:43:09 GMT 1
ergh I think I could do it if the animal was injured but not if it was healthy - thats what would destroy me. Iv been in the agric business long enough to see animals die and shot and through the abbatoir several times but to kill them when theyre fine would be a no go for me |
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Post by anastasia55555 on Feb 28, 2011 0:09:04 GMT 1
pain and distress is different, i couldnt let an animal suffer, but as you say bertie its the 'healthy' bit
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Post by donnalex on Feb 28, 2011 2:34:51 GMT 1
But the cows ging for slaughter are perfectly healthy, there is even a vet on hand to make sure they are.
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Post by anastasia55555 on Feb 28, 2011 8:25:47 GMT 1
Im not refering to cattle for slaughter for food that isnt the job of an rspca inspector, tis that im refering to. They have been breed for meat, its their job. A dog was not breed for meat it was/is someones pet. I think thats what Bertie is refering to aswell.
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busybee
Elementary Poster
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Post by busybee on Feb 28, 2011 9:22:48 GMT 1
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Post by bertie666 on Feb 28, 2011 10:42:28 GMT 1
Busybee according to the statement I linked the use of boltguns has been suspended.
Im going to ring them later and clarify exactly what is expected of their officers because aside from that it would be a good job for me!
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Post by julz on Feb 28, 2011 10:45:06 GMT 1
that's disgusting. I know people with GSDs and the thought of these wonderful dogs being destroyed like that makes me ill.....
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busybee
Elementary Poster
Posts: 78
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Post by busybee on Feb 28, 2011 11:00:35 GMT 1
Busybee according to the statement I linked the use of boltguns has been suspended. Im going to ring them later and clarify exactly what is expected of their officers because aside from that it would be a good job for me! Suspended is different to banned however, and the fact that they only suspended its use after a huge public outcry rings alarm bells to me. I'm afraid I have very little faith in the rspca as a welfare organisation. |
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tl
Grand Prix Poster
Posts: 2,680
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Post by tl on Feb 28, 2011 11:48:48 GMT 1
Share your thoughts busybee. I've no faith in them either.
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