Lacey Hendershot

Professor Skutar

Intermediate Composition

Section 20

Essay #4

June 20, 2013

“The Need For Animal Rights: Veterinary and Human Care For Domestic and Non-Domestic

Animals”

Throughout the last ten years, our economy has not been in the best shape. Many

shortcuts have been taken and obstacles overcome to try and save and make extra money. It’s my

argument that it has come to many peoples’ attention that animals, both domestic and non-

domestic, have been dealt the short end of the stick for this matter. All animals should have the

right to medical attention and human care no matter what breed, size, or use of the animal. An

animal denied of veterinary attention is seen as a form of animal abuse. Some reasons that

support this statement are if denied veterinary guidance animals become infected with disease,

internal problems start to occur, hygiene is effected, later generations of animal owners will

follow in the footsteps of other non-veterinary seeking owners, and other criminal acts will be

performed upon the innocent creatures. Veterinarians or human interaction attention has not been

given to many animals in the last few years due to their owners. Dogs, cats, cattle, and sheep,

just to name a few, are being put at risk for serious health problems by not being taken to

veterinarians for a full examination along with vaccines each year. The lack of attention to these

animals can put peoples’ lives in danger in the near future as well as the animals’ life. Also,

animals have been evermore abused by humans throughout the years and mistreated in many

ways. For example, animals have been beaten, burned, and killed by humans in acts of fun. This

is not a funny matter and has serious consequences for their actions. Money is a big issue when it

comes to taking care of an animal. Animals are very much like children; they require shots and

examinations to help them prolong their lives. Owners take on a responsibility when adopting or

buying a pet or animal, in which they are required to provide for this animal and attain its health

and wellness.

Over the course of the last several years, veterinarians have noticed a decrease in house

and office visits from their clients and patients of many species and are alarmed with the number

of people who do not give proper medical care to their animals (Bayer Study). An investigation

was conducted to see why examinations have decreased and it came up with six different causes

(Bayer Study). These reasons were the economy and its impact from the recession, division of

veterinary services, substituting office visits for Internet research to solve health issues,

resistance, animal owners seeing annual check-ups as unnecessary and costly (Bayer Study).

More and more owners use the Internet to predict and fix problems with their pets and animals

miss diagnose the animal and therefore put the animals’ life in danger (Bayer Study). Owners

waste too much precious time trying to fix the problem themselves and then end up going to the

veterinarian for help and to cure the animals’ illness, but sometimes it’s too late (Bayer Study).

Many lives are cut short just so owners can possibly save money, but they are not aware that

veterinarians are only doing their jobs and cannot help the prices that they charge clients (Bayer

Study). It’s difficult to see animals in pain, so why chance their lives in the hopes of saving a

little bit of money. In my opinion, this is a selfish act upon animal owners.

"People often associate clinic visits with 'shots,' or vaccinations," said Karen Felsted,

CPA, MS, DVM, CVPM, and CEO of NCVEI, a professional organization dedicated to

improving economic conditions in veterinary medicine. "But that's not all that happens during a

visit. Veterinarians perform a full physical exam on the pet during which they look for problems

with the eyes, ears, skin, internal organs and other body systems. Pets, like people, can develop

health conditions that, if undetected, become costly-to-treat chronic illnesses. That's why regular

check-ups are important" (Bayer Study). Veterinarians are pushing the message that annual

appointments are the key to a long and healthy life for all animals, and if left untreated only bad

can and will come from this (Bayer Study). This is especially important when the animals pertain

to stock animals in which humans will one day consume. If they are infected with disease that is

unknown to the owner, millions of people may and will likely become sick throughout the area

and or country when the animal is consumed. Lawsuits may and will likely occur towards the

meat industry and the participants who sell their animal to the producer. This fact makes the

situation of annual medical attention a must for all animal owners to partake in.

Veterinarians live by and honor a code of mortality for animals and their owners. Within

the last few years the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has revised the

veterinarian’s oath. This oath is required of all veterinary medicine graduates in the United States

to repeat in order to emphasize the overall significance of animal welfare (AVMA). Stated in the

article: “Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my

scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health

and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources,

the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge” (AVMA). This

piece of information is incredibly important to know because this will reassure pet and animal

owners of the reason why yearly examinations and vaccines are needed for animal care. Dr.’s

Bruce Nixon and Gail Golab both agree upon the fact that this new oath brings comfort and

guidance to new veterinarians and their clients to which care and welfare will be given to the

animal at hand, no matter what size or breed (AVMA). The American Veterinary Medical

Association was created in 1863 and is one of the largest organizations in the world that

dedicates itself on advancing the science knowledge and art of veterinary medicine, which

comprises the relationship to the public health and agriculture (American Veterinary Medical

Association). Public health and agriculture go hand in hand in terms of health for both species.

This type of agriculture needs to be cared for appropriately in order to be healthy and palatable

for humans to be able to digest and not become ill from.

It can be seen as a source of animal abuse when owners deny their animals and pets

veterinary resources. Other forms of animal abuse, such as fighting, beating, or killing an animal

falls under this category as well. When animal abuse occurs within a household and children are

present, this can lead to bad situations later in life. A study was done to see the relationship

between bullying and animal abuse in juveniles (Gullone and Robertson 372). It was concluded

that children who witness animal or human abuse performed by parents or strangers have an

effect on children’s minds and can and will sometimes affect their lives in the future (Gullone

and Robertson 372). Stated in the article, social learning can propose a child with vicious and

aggressive behaviors towards other individuals, resulting in bullying, or can be demonstrated on

animals in the form of animal abuse (Gullone and Robertson 372). Children at young ages absorb

actions at a faster rate and adults need to be aware of that when having pets or non-domestic

animals while having small children around at the same time. Responsibility needs to be attained

and demonstrated to teach children right from wrong when interacting with other animals or

people. This means taking animals to the veterinarian when sick, injured, or simply for a yearly

routine check-up. You can never be too careful with your pets to ensure their safety and well-

being. This type of responsibility shows children the correct way of how to treat and take care of

animals, as well as other individuals in the world. It’s the humane thing to do for all animals,

and should be legalized in order to obtain any kind of pet. It’s important to realize that just

because you have an animal, you can not forget about its care and health because its simple an

individual who is not able to speak for themselves.

Human-animal cruelty is becoming a worldwide known act among individuals. It’s

believed that animal cruelty and human cruelty are linked together (Nell 230). Both forms of

cruelty have 4 things in common, which are voices of perpetrators and their audiences, gender

differences in cruelty, cruelty as play, and finally the putative relationship between animal abuse

and interpersonal violence (Nell 230). Anthrozoology is the study of cruelty to animals by

human individuals (Nell 230). It is said that animal abuse can be subjected due to social

interactions in groups (Nell 230). There are several different kinds of people in the world and

based upon the kind of people there are many different clicks within individuals. These clicks

can distinguish the kind of people who abuse animals and those who do not (Nell 230). For

example, hoarders of animals put animals’ lives at stake by having little space to live in along

with harmful pesticides and living conditions (Nell 231). Its necessary to care for animals in a

proper way by providing the necessary space, food, water, and medical attention throughout its

life. If too many animals are contained to one home, its likely that not all will get the proper

medical attention needed by veterinarians because of cost and time required to get all the animals

to a veterinary hospital.

Nell continues to talk about the cruelty towards animals by incorporating the gender of

individuals (Nell 231). It has been observed and stated that men are more likely to abuse animals

than women (Nell 231). A study was conducted that showed male/ female ratios with results for

beating was 38 to 1, shooting was 16 to 1, mutilation/ torture was 20 to 1, and burning was 17 to

1 (Nell 231). There is a possibility that males partake in animal abuse at a higher rate than

women because of testosterone levels and hunting sports (Nell 231). This demonstrates the lack

of proper attention and interaction humans have with animals of all kinds. People see animals as

targets and not actual living creatures. They have feelings and a life worth living just like

humans and should be able to pursue that life without the fear or death creeping up on them

around the corner.

The third aspect of animal cruelty is seen as a game or play (Nell 231). Recreational

sports have been seen as a sign that increase animal abuse in people (Nell 231). A study was

conducted that showed some peoples’ involvement in animal abuse through hunting experiences

(Nell 231). Individuals were interviewed who said that young men learned the ways of animal

abuse from their elders and fathers by performing rooster fights (Nell 231). Its important to learn

at any age that killing animals for hunting and animal abuse are two completely separate aspects

of life and must be maintained that way to preserve the world to a humane environment.

Animal abuse has been studied in individuals and show that most animal cruelty comes

from individuals who are antisocial and those who have been convicted of a violent crime versus

a non-violent offender (Nell 231). Although, all four of these possible factors that have been

presented above can and are related to possibilities of animal cruelty and mistreatment, these are

simply examples that need further research in order for all facts to be true (Nell 231). Future

anthrozoological studies will help individuals understand and get a deeper perspective of the

dark sides of individuals who partake in animal cruelty (Nell 231). As can be seen, animal

cruelty can come from people who do not take their animals to see veterinary guidance and from

people who have mental issues that result to outbreaks of abuse towards innocent animals.

Animals can be seen as a way of responsibility and routine importance (Katz). Animals

require a lot of attention and work in order for them to survive. It’s important for adults to teach

younger individuals the proper ways of attending to animals’ needs (Katz). All animals are

different and have different needs, such as cows require a field to live in versus a dog, which

requires a house or doghouse. Despite the differences, any kind of animal will require the

necessary items to survive as well as medical attention from veterinarians (Katz). Cows, sheep,

and goats are of popular demand when it comes to showing in 4-H groups. To ensure that they

are of good quality and healthy, they must be fed good quality food and make sure they are

healthy by being examined by veterinarians. Nobody wants to bid on an animal that will be used

for future food possibly and be infected with disease. Infected animals can cause an epidemic in

the food industry and result in re-calls of specific items that are causing individuals to become ill

from consuming.

Animals are hard to judge when medical attention is needed. Animals are not able to

speak to us to tell us if something is wrong with them (Baltimore Veterinarian). Dr. Bob Brown

has stated, “Pet owners must be vigilant and act promptly if they suspect illness” (Baltimore

Veterinarian). When any kind of animal is unconscious or unresponsive, they should be taken to

the veterinarian immediately to ensure the animals welfare and health. Dr. Brown continued to

say that if you are aware of the emergency vet symptoms that are associated with illness or

trauma, there is more hope and likeliness that the animal will survive (Baltimore Veterinarian).

Emergencies range from seizures, shaking, vomiting, diarrhea, and a swollen abdomen and

should be taken seriously (Baltimore Veterinarian). "In a veterinary health emergency, every

minute matters," said Dr. Bob Brown (Baltimore Veterinarian). This statement summarizes

everything when an animal’s life, or even a human’s life, is in danger. Life-saving care and

attention is always given to animals when taken to veterinarians. This ensures that the animal

recovers from the illness if not much time has lapsed from when the animal first gets sick until

their owner takes them to the veterinarian. If animals are not taken to seek veterinary guidance

when sick, the animal increases its chance of death while the owner portrays an act of animal

abuse by not seeking medical attention for their pet. Trying to heal and solve an animals’ health

problem yourself is not smart and can cause the animal more harm than good in most cases.

A wise man once said, “the animals within the food animal production system impact

many aspects of the system far removed from the animals themselves” (Recognizing the

Importance). Scott Hurd, veterinarian in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State

University, has made an excellent point that shows the key aspects of what can happen to

animals if left untreated by veterinarians. He portrays the effects of animal health upon the

human public. If animals are infected by disease or illness, some animals can be treated but if

they are used for organic use, then they are most likely left untreated because the medicine will

affect the substance of the product (Recognizing the Importance). Hurd states in his article that

individual farmers might think that these illnesses of animals are okay and that they can be

corrected with medicine, but millions of people are put at risk when consuming these animals for

their meat (Recognizing the Importance). Also, Hurd stresses the importance of public health by

stating: "So I hope that it is clear that the health of the animals can affect many aspects of the

system far removed from the animals themselves. You have to try to analyze if the system is

going to change, whether it is going to change something else, because the bottom line that we

are after is public health. The connection between animal health and public health is much

stronger than has been realized before” (Recognizing the Importance). Hurd stresses the

importance of animal care relating to the factors it will have on the individuals who consume or

maintain the animal. If animals are sick and are not treated, that is all on the owners hands,

which may get quite ugly if the animals are sold for livestock and packaged to grocery stores.

The meat is then ingested into peoples’ bodies that could potentially become ill and die causing

lawsuits to be filed.

It’s significant to know when adopting or taking care of any type of animal the

responsibility, time, effort, and money that is required to be put into that animal. Many people

and farmers adopt various numbers of animals for pets, show, or livestock. All of these animals

have one thing in common, the need to see a veterinarian once a year and when sick. Vaccines,

surgeries, and routine examinations all come into play when having animals (Thorpe-Vargas and

Cargill 2). Many owners contemplate over veterinarians due to the amount of money they might

end up spending for their animals (Thorpe-Vargas and Cargill). Some individuals believe that

vaccines, various procedures, and surgeries are unnecessary and potentially not needed (Thorpe-

Vargas and Cargill 2). This is absolutely not true. Veterinarians only give the necessary

medication to animals and perform surgeries that are needed in order for the animal to survive,

despite spaying and neutering (Thorpe-Vargas 2-3). Another debate is the type of food animals

are given to eat daily. Animals must have a well-balanced and nutritional meal in order to obtain

all the vitamins and minerals they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle (Thorpe-Vargas 4-5). If

certain vitamins and minerals are not consumed, the animals’ internal health and well-being is

put at stake.

It has come to the public’s attention that animals are living longer than before and it has

been seen that numerous health issues are associated with this advanced aging (McIntosh). This

increased aging is affecting animals’ physical well being and taking a toll on their health

(McIntosh). Today, there are several different brands and types of animal food to pick from.

Having a variety ensures that animals eat different kinds of foods and gives them nutrients other

foods lack (McIntosh). Variety is good for all animals because it helps better the animals’ bodies

and shows that owners care for their pets’ health and well-being. Also, variation constitutes a

better overall health for many different types of livestock that enables the animal to become

healthier and if bought for the meat industry, the animal will serve as a terrific product.

In order to protect the future of animals amongst us, we must spay and neuter our current

animals to avoid the possibility of euthanizing animals. So many animals are without homes and

are killed daily because they have nowhere to go, no homes, no new owners, nothing (Banton).

One of the hardest things to witness is seeing innocent animals that just want a good home be put

down (Banton). Spaying and neutering animals is a simple and daily routine in veterinarian

offices. Many individuals are against euthanizing animals because the animals did nothing to

deserve this form of punishment. The animals’ life is cut short because nobody wanted them,

which is extremely unfair and unethical. I see this form of action as animal cruelty and abuse

towards the animal at risk of death but is potentially healthy and well.

Many animal owners neglect the fact that all animals need to have their teeth and gums

looked at and cleaned within the animal’s life (Sarasota Veterinarian). A study was conducted

that stated two out of every three animals do not have an annual dental cleaning appointment at

their veterinarians (Sarasota Veterinarian). Dr. Tudin stated in an article that said: "Oral health is

an important indicator of overall body health for pets” (Sarasota Veterinarian). Animals are at

risk for tooth loss, gum disease, internal organ failure, and oral bacterial infections (Sarasota

Veterinarian). Dental work is done on teeth to prevent plaque buildup along gums and decrease

the threat for oral health issues (Sarasota Veterinarian). Animal dental care has been overlooked

by several animal owners throughout the years (Sarasota Veterinarian). This oral health problem

has caught many peoples’ attention over the years because of veterinarians during the animals’

annual physical examination (Sarasota Veterinarian). Teeth cleaning must be performed by

professionals to ensure that the progression of plaque buildup is stopped before it affects the

animals’ gums (Sarasota Veterinarian). If bacteria infects the gums, the animal is at risk for

internal health problems, such as other bacterial infections and kidney damage (Sarasota

Veterinarian). There are signs that you are able to observe if dental problems are occurring, such

as bad breath, extreme drooling, cysts or swollen gums within the mouth (Sarasota Veterinarian).

Many animals, both house and farm, are in danger of many diseases based on poor dental

hygiene due to the owners’ lack of veterinary attention. This risk of death can be avoided by

yearly veterinary examinations. It’s a simple and easy way to save animals’ lives and prolong

their usage of teeth and health of internal organs. Owners need to be aware of this fact and abide

by it.

Some animal owners are questioning what exactly animal welfare entails (Sorensen 3).

There is not a true definition of what animal welfare is and its difficult to understand and put

together a decent definition that incorporates all the details needed when taking care of animals

(Sorensen 3). It’s important to realize that even though animals cannot speak and tell you thank

you for everything you have done for them, they do realize and appreciate this behavior.

Scientists believe that animal welfare can be classified as having a mixture of theories such as

hedonism, perfectionism, and preferences (Sorenson 13). There are five freedoms that pertain to

animal welfare which are freedom from hunger and thirst, physical discomfort and pain, injury

and disease, fear and distress, and conform to essential behavior patters (Sorenson 12). Although,

there is no definite answer or definition for animal welfare, these three theories are considered

close enough to define this term. These freedoms make for a good understanding of animals

should be treated and cared for in a humane way. All animal owners should abide by these

freedoms and encourage fellow animal owners to do the same. You are responsible for the

animals’ life.

In conclusion, animal welfare, health, and care are incredibly important in terms of

having animals for pets and show. Pets are special and loving animals that deserve the right to

medical care when necessary. What is seen just as an animal, like cattle and sheep, end up being

slaughtered and packaged for sale. We, as humans and individuals, consume this meat and hope

that it is healthy and not contaminated. Its significant that animals are given proper veterinarian

care to ensure the animals safety for its life here on Earth as well as for the safety of the

individuals who consume this animal. If animals are infected with disease or illness, humans may

become sick if they ingest this product. Animal health safety is just not important to the animals,

but also to the human beings who care for them and those who buy the animals for product.

Veterinarians take much pride in their profession and care for every single type and size of

animal out there in the world. It’s in their job description to take care of animals and give them

the proper care they are entitled too. Nothing short of excellence and endearment is given to all

animals and their owners at the time of their visits and examinations. This in why it’s important

that all animals of every breed are given the right to seek veterinary attention under any

circumstance.

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