Reflection on Legislation Scenarios

The Legislation and Animal Welfare session was a valuable lesson as a great number of interesting discussions were had. I have always been open to animal welfare and legislation discussions in the past, yet, I have never taken the initiative to research the area myself. I have, nonetheless, experienced welfare and legislation within the Irish health service. I believed the two areas would be alike, however, there were several unfamiliar discussion points. It became clear to me that this is a broad topic. Specifically, the 1998 Data Protection Act came to my attention. To offer an all-rounded approach to treatment requires a full patient history but I will need the previous and current owner’s consent to the collection of this personal information and it’s use (Data Protection Act, 1998).

It seems decision-making within this area proves difficult. There are many deciding factors and aspects to consider (Yeates, 2012) which make for challenging debates (RSPCA, 2010). During the session, we were asked what decisions or actions we would take in response to various scenarios, giving reasoning and highlighting any relating legislation. On reflection, one scenario particularly caught my attention.

‘Scenario 3: You arrive to meet a new client and her dog Jo-Jo. The first thing the client asks you is to help her fit a muzzle as she is not sure how to do it. What should you do?’

I am somewhat embarrassed to say that before this session I was unaware of the Dangerous Dogs Act. Jo-Jo, being a Brazilian Mastiff, is listed under this 1991 Act as a banned breed (UK Legislation, 1991). Being oblivious to this Act, during treatment, would have been putting myself and many others in danger. If Jo-Jo became out of control, I, being the practitioner in charge at the time, could be held guilty of an offence under section 3 of the Act (UK Legislation, 1991). This may have serious consequences on my career which in turn made me realise the amount of knowledge I need to gain, not only in terms of welfare and legislation but also animal breeds. In future, this knowledge would ensure I determine whether the owner has a certificate of exemption. This would grant them legal ownership of the dog whilst also noting any legal requirements such as muzzling (Bennett, 2016). Once again, I can see the importance of communication within this field. Communicating with the veterinarian responsible for Jo-Jo’s referral may highlight the issue (McGowan, 2016).

It seems practical experience and common sense will only get you so far with welfare and legislation (RSPCA, 2010) as there are strict laws that must be followed. There are various arguments against certain legislation; the Dangerous Dog’s Act has been criticised by some for failing to increase safety and for having notable effects on dogs due to their appearance, rather than their temperament (Bennett, 2016). As an NAVP member, I will need to be aware of current legislation, continue my professional education regularly, and strictly adhere to these regulations (NAVP, 2016).

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Reference List

Bennett, O., 2016. Dangerous Dogs. UK: House of Commons Library.

Data Protection Act, 1998. Great Britain. UK.

McGowan, C., 2016. Animal physiotherapy: assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of animals. John Wiley & Sons.

NAVP, 2016. National Association of Veterinary Physiotherapists. [online] Available at: http://www.navp.co.uk/ [Accessed 17 Nov. 2016].

RSPCA, 2010. Animal Life. [online] Available at: https://www.rspca.org.uk/whatwedo/howwework/policies/ethics [Accessed 21 Nov. 2016].

UK Legislation, 1991. Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. [online] Available at: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1991/65/contents [Accessed 21 Nov. 2016].

Yeates, J., 2012. Animal welfare in veterinary practice. John Wiley & Sons.