1.2 Animal ethics

Animal ethics concerns the set of values that apply to human–animal relationships and interactions, including the rights, treatment and welfare of animals. Animal ethics evolved from the need to regulate animal research practices and from increasing societal concerns about the treatment of animals.

It wasn’t until the 19th century that principles regulating the use of animals in research came of age. Today, many countries have legislation and frameworks protecting the right of animals and their wellbeing when used in research. An example of a framework is the pledge taken by veterinarians to uphold ethical standards in veterinary practice. Similar to the Hippocratic oath sworn by medical physicians, veterinarians pledge to protect the health and welfare of animals, prevent disease where possible, advocate for animals, and minimise pain and suffering.

(If you’re interested in these topics, you can read more about the global veterinary oath and see many countries’ own version of it (WSAVA, 2019).)

Notably, the veterinary oath encourages veterinarians to support One Health principles. This is because veterinarians are uniquely placed to protect human health alongside animal health. This could be at the individual level, such as treating a pet infected with a zoonotic parasite and informing the owner of the risk to themselves, or at the population level; for example, controlling an outbreak of Salmonellosis in chickens to prevent people from consuming infected eggs or meat and getting sick.