Looking out for the wellbeing of all animals
On Sat, Oct. 15, the Ontario Veterinary College’s Animal Welfare Club hosted its 17th annual Animal Welfare Forum. Over 100 students, faculty, and members of the public enjoyed a free day of informative lectures from experts in the field of animal care and welfare.
The day began with an informational talk from Dr. Nikki LePage, an associate veterinarian at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada and adjunct faculty at the OVC. With over a decade of experience working with aquatic animals, LePage spoke to the audience about the evolution of welfare in aquatic animal medicine.
LePage touched on topics such as aquatic surgery and fish anesthesia, as well as more contentious subjects like the debate over whether invertebrates feel pain. Though inevitably asked difficult questions regarding institutions such as Marineland, LePage answered with professional honesty and acknowledgment. While some audience members were heard whispering for questions on Marineland to cease, other participants made it clear that those types of uncomfortable conversations are exactly why such forums need to be held.
“…asked difficult questions regarding institutions such as Marineland, LePage answered with professional honesty…”
Following a brief coffee break, OVC veterinarian Dr. Jeff Rau held a sincere but humorous discussion on the events that unfold when an animal is destined for slaughter (particularly ill or injured cattle). Approximately 130,000 cows are culled annually in Canada, which is the number one reason for lameness and/or hoof complications. Rau outlined the disconnect between an animal’s condition and how it may be perceived, explaining why education is the most effective way to institute change in animal welfare.
The process of change is, as Rau noted, “Kind of like having a goal, but focusing on the plan.”
Rau’s talk was followed by Dr. Dave Barney and many of his colleagues from the Toronto Zoo. The speakers took turns briefly discussing their areas of focus, which ranged from primate training and elephant care to natural diet replication and body conditioning indexes. The key themes of the talks revolved around the operant conditioning and nutrition of wildlife under the care of humans. Such a wide variety of topics left the audience with a new perspective on the difficulty of ensuring the welfare of animals in captivity.
“…an owner cannot make a decision in the best interest of their animal if they do not know or understand what is going on.”
After a lunch of vegan, vegetarian, and ethically-sourced meat sandwiches, the forum continued with a panel featuring Dr. Lena Levison, Dr. Lynn Henderson, and Dr. Mike Petrik. The veterinarians took turns discussing the integration of animal welfare into the practice of veterinary medicine. Levison noted how simple minor considerations such as no-slip mats for elderly dogs or home euthanasia can make a significant impact on increasing welfare for companion animals.
An owner of a mobile veterinary practice, Henderson touched on the importance of building a relationship with owners in order to help them learn how to better understand the needs of their pets.
“Whatever their normal is, you must be adaptive,” explained Henderson. After all, she noted, an owner cannot make a decision in the best interest of their animal if they do not know or understand what is going on.
Petrik rounded off the panel by reviewing the connection between good welfare and good health, noting that, “With great power comes great responsibility.” Petrik also reminded the audience that veterinarians have a huge influence on establishing and maintaining what constitutes positive welfare. He also explained that such influence extends beyond medical professionals, and that anyone who touches an animal has begun to influence its welfare.
“…every single person has the potential to impact animal welfare. Every person can be a part of the change…”
The forum concluded with a digital display and explanation of art pieces by Twyla Francois, a farmed animal cruelty investigator and visual artist. Francois mentioned Canada’s dismal position as the Western nation with the worst transport regulations, with laws permitting animals to go up to 52 hours without food, water, or a break during transportation. Recognizing that graphic videos and images are not effective for reaching everyone, Francois uses art in an attempt to connect people with the plight of animal production.
The variety of ages and backgrounds in the audience spoke to the diversity of interest in this growing topic. The aim of the event was to engage students and the community at large with a sensitive yet important subject.
Third year OVC student Emily Zakrajsek, senior events coordinator with the Animal Welfare Club, summed up the need for such forums.
“Events like this are important, because we’re opening up the conversation. It isn’t just veterinarians or OVC students that impact animal welfare, but everyone,” said Zakrajsek. “We specifically market this event for outreach in the community, because every single person has the potential to impact animal welfare. Every person can be a part of the change we need.”
Photo by Carleigh Cathcart.