Animal Abuse and Reporting Position Statement
There are many forms of animal abuse with which veterinarians are faced in daily practice, and range from minor neglect to willful and malicious intent to harm. While neglectful acts are often unintentional and can be addressed through education, intentional forms of animal abuse can be indicators of other forms of violence. Studies have shown that there is a correlation between animal abuse and other forms of family violence, including, child abuse, spousal abuse and elder abuse. Since veterinarians have a responsibility to the welfare of animals and the public and can be the first to detect animal abuse in a family, they should take an active role in detecting, preventing and reporting animal abuse. While some states and provinces do not require veterinarians to report animal abuse, the association supports the adoption of laws requiring, under certain circumstances, veterinarians to report suspected cases of animal abuse. Reporting should only be required when client education has failed, when there is no likelihood that client education will be successful, or in situations in which immediate intervention is indicated and only when the law exempts veterinarians from civil and criminal liability for reporting. In order to encourage veterinarians and practice team members to be responsible leaders in their communities and to assist in the detection and reporting of animal abuse, the profession should educate its members to recognize, document and report animal abuse, develop forensic models, promote legislation concerning reporting by veterinarians and collaborate with other animal and human welfare groups and professionals within communities to eliminate the incidence of animal abuse. Canine Devocalization Position Statement
Canine devocalization should only be performed by qualified, licensed veterinarians as a final alternative after behavioral modification efforts to correct excessive vocalization have failed. Declawing (Onychectomy) Position Statement
Declawing of domestic cats should be considered only after attempts have been made to prevent the cat from using its claws destructively or when clawing presents a significant health risk for people within the household. As with any elective surgery, the client should be advised of all advantages, disadvantages, and available options. Veterinarians have an obligation to provide cat owners with complete education with regard to declawing prior to performing the procedure. The following points are the foundation for full understanding and disclosure regarding declawing: • Scratching is a normal feline behavior, is a means for cats to mark their territory both visually and with scent, and is used for claw conditioning ("husk" removal) and stretching activity.
• Prior to considering declawing, owners should attempt to manage undesirable scratching by providing suitable implements for normal scratching behavior. Examples are scratching posts, cardboard boxes, lumber or logs, and carpet or fabric remnants affixed to stationary objects. Implements should be tall or long enough to allow full stretching, and be firmly anchored to provide necessary resistance to scratching. Cats should be positively reinforced in the use of these implements. In addition, appropriate claw care, consisting of trimming the claws every one to two weeks, should be provided.
• Declawing is not a medically necessary procedure in most cases. While rare in occurrence, there are inherent risks and complications with any surgical procedure including, but not limited to, anesthetic complications, side effects associated with analgesics, hemorrhage, and infection.
• Declawing of the forefeet is usually sufficient.
• Declawed cats should be housed indoors. In households where cats come into contact with immunocompromised people, client education about potential disease transmission should be provided, ideally by both verbal and written methods, and documented. Declawing may warrant consideration. Scientific studies indicate that cats with destructive clawing behavior are more likely to be euthanatized, or more readily relinquished, released, or abandoned, thereby contributing to the homeless cat population. Where scratching behavior is an issue as to whether or not a particular cat can remain as an acceptable household pet in a particular home, declawing may warrant consideration. If declawing is performed, safe and effective anesthetic agents should always be used. Furthermore, the use of safe and effective peri-operative analgesics for an appropriate length of time is imperative. Ear Cropping/Tail Docking Position Statement
Ear cropping and/or tail docking in pets for cosmetic reasons are not medically indicated nor of benefit to the patient. These procedures cause pain and distress, and, as with all surgical procedures, are accompanied by inherent risks of anesthetic complications, hemorrhage, and infection. Therefore, the American Animal Hospital Association opposes both the cropping of ears and the docking of tails when done solely for cosmetic reasons. Veterinarians should counsel and educate pet owners that these procedures should not be performed unless medically necessary. The American Animal Hospital Association also encourages the elimination of ear cropping and tail docking from breed standards. Euthanasia Position Statement
The American Animal Hospital Association believes that ideally no adoptable animal should be euthanized. Unfortunately the number of homeless animals currently exceeds the number of responsible people willing to adopt them. Euthanasia is the humane solution our society has chosen to control both the stray and shelter populations. AAHA is committed to working collaboratively to reduce the millions of animals euthanized annually. Veterinarian’s Role
Veterinarians have an integral role and a responsibility in our society to contribute to the solutions of these overpopulation issues through:
• Reducing unwanted litters by participating in sterilization programs and educating clients on responsible breeding;
• Reducing relinquishment of companion animals by promoting preventative medical care, promoting compatible animal selection, educating clients on responsible pet ownership, educating clients on behavior issues, and promoting the benefit of the attachment clients share with their companion animal;
• Recommending identification of animals to reunite lost animals with their owners, as well as promoting responsible control of animals with licensing, leashing and confinement to prevent loss, injury and disease;
• Working within their community to find options for homeless, adoptable animals or owned animals whose owners have financial challenges with treatment options before euthanasia is considered or selected. Humane Method
If euthanasia is required it must be done with expertise in technique, compassion for all parties involved and with the goal of a dignified, anxiety free, painless death. Injection by sodium pentobarbital is considered the only acceptable method for most companion animals. Pre-medication of the patient should be considered to reduce the fear, anxiety and restraint that can occur with the euthanasia procedure. Human Toll
Euthanasia is a stressful, emotional aspect of veterinary practice. The profession should recognize not only how hard it is on clients but also the impact it has on veterinarians and practice team members. Euthanasia related stress can lead to compassion fatigue. Veterinary practices should acknowledge and manage it with well-drafted protocols, formal education processes and open lines of communication. Ethics
The choice to euthanize an animal should not be taken lightly. AAHA supports veterinarians who may refuse euthanasia of a healthy animal for the convenience of the owners. This situation is an opportunity for veterinarians and practice team members to educate clients about responsible pet ownership and promote the human animal bond.
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