Applied Animal Physiotherapy Ethics

Original Editor - Ansi van der Walt Top Contributors - Jess Bell, Kim Jackson, Tarina van der Stockt, Olajumoke Ogunleye and Robin Tacchetti

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Introduction

Jurisprudence is defined as "the study, knowledge, or science of law" and it refers to all legislation, rules, regulations and guidelines that are relevant to veterinary practice. Veterinary professions are required to provide good care for the animals that they assess and treat and they have legal, moral and ethical obligations to their clients, patients and veterinary colleagues. A knowledge of the legal frameworks within which they work is, therefore, essential to ensure they are able to practise in a safe, effective manner.

However, in some instances, there may be conflict between the interests of the veterinary professional, client (or owner) and the animal. The veterinary professional must, therefore, also be equipped with knowledge of the ethical challenges that surround animal practice.

General Concepts

In any social interaction or contact between people, certain norms apply. Norms are defined as "standards of behaviour which have been accepted by the community.” Social structures are determined by behavioural norms, which have developed over many generations. Norms are not fixed across cultures, religions and countries - they are often varied, but they are generally intended to enhance social cohesion.

Norms which determine behaviour include:

• Morals
  • Norms that have right or wrong associated with a behaviour, such as envy, anger, pride, lust, dishonesty, vindictiveness, cruelty, and infidelity, etc. These thoughts / acts can result in harm.
• Social norms
  • The “informal rules that govern behavior in groups and societies.” Social norms have an impact on various behaviours, including fashion, courtesy and convention

• Aesthetic norms
  • “Norms of appreciation of beauty and the morally good things in life.” Examples of aesthetic norms include urban design, tidy veterinary clinics, well-kept gardens

• Ethical norms
  • “Ethics are principles or beliefs, that govern a person’s view of right/wrong, good/bad, just/unjust etc. of a situation":
    • Personal ethics - depend on the individual (religion, charity)
    • Professional / ethical norms - are used to manage behaviour across a profession

Laws

Laws are defined as “norms which the whole community accepts as binding and are obeyed by the whole society.” CH2 SAVC

Laws can be changed to fit the requirements of the community that they serve CH 2 SAVC.

Thus, laws should govern human behaviour and be obeyed by everyone. They formalise specific rights and are enforced by organisations of the state. When laws are disobeyed, the involved parties are typically prosecuted / punished. CH 2 SAVC.

It is important that animal physiotherapists have an understanding of the practical implications of relevant laws and to consider how these laws: WEB?

• Apply to animal physiotherapists as business managers and employers
• Apply to animal physiotherapists in the context of their relationship with their clients
• Apply to animal physiotherapists in the context of their relationship with other veterinary professionals
• Apply to animal physiotherapists in terms of their responsibilities to the patient (the animal)