Animal Welfare

Several academic studies have identified a clear connection between animal abuse and violence against humans. The undeniable link between animal abuse and violence towards people has been well-documented by researchers who say this tie-in can be a component and a symptom of child, spousal and elder abuse.

Most veterinarians will eventually encounter animal hoarders. Animal hoarding presents a complex societal dilemma.

Your OVMA staff researches animal welfare topics and follows a wide range of Web sites to gather information and to learn what the organizations behind the sites are addressing.

Animals are used by man for many purposes, including the production of food and clothing, companionship, recreation, scientific research and education. Society as a whole has the responsibility to ensure that the welfare of the animals is unacceptably compromised.

It should be acknowledged that, although the terms abuse and cruelty are often used interchangeably, in general, the statutory language refers to cruelty and always prevails in legal matters.

The documentation and preservation of the physical evidence should begin as soon as animal abuse is suspected.

The forms and charts that follow are intended to provide you with a guide to the types of evidence that needs to be collected in order to assist law enforcement in their investigation. If a necropsy is necessary, it is recommended that you retain the services of a veterinary pathologist.

Understanding and managing pain in our patients is one of our most important challenges. As we gain a better understanding of how pain affects our patients, and as techniques for preventing and managing pain advance, we are able to provide better services for our patients and clients.

Oregon's humane laws in statute, including the veterinarian's duty to report animal abuse.