Which veterinary programs have reputations for being more humane than others? Thank you for your help.
I’m not sure if I understand your question. Veterinary schools certainly do not torture animals. Preventing and relieving animal suffering is even stating in the veterinarian’s oath. Cadavers are used for learning anatomy and basic surgery but I believe most schools are obtaining these animals from shelters. The animals were going to be euthanized regardless due to overpopulation. Without learning anatomy and surgery, one would make a very incompetent veterinarian. If you have a specific concern about veterinary school, I would be happy to try to address it.
I believe that the OP may be referring to this: www.peta.org/issues/animals-used-for-experimentation/animals-used-experimentation-factsheets/dissection-lessons-cruelty/humane-vet-ed/ This was addressed in 2008. Ross was accredited by AVMA in 2011.
There are federal guidelines from the Animal Welfare Act that AVMA approved institutions follow.
I know when my son interviewed they asked him about PETA, animal rights and animal welfare. They were adamant that they followed the rules that the AVMA sets out and wouldn’t tolerate going against it. I think that is true for all the AVMA accredited schools.
All I can say is that I certainly would not feel confident as a veterinary graduate going into private practice only ever having performed surgery on “simulators” that the PETA article promotes and I would hope the public would want their veterinarian to have actually performed surgery on a real animal prior to graduation as well. Some things just cant be simulated and I think surgery is one of those things. I also found the article to be interesting was they acted like placing nasogastric tubes in donkeys was barbaric. Nasogastric tubes are placed all of the time in horses to relieve colic since horses are unable to vomit. It is NOT an invasive, surgical procedure. It is done in field with horse owners present.
Just for clarification, there is a HUGE difference between animal rights vs animal welfare. Typically, one actually protects the animals and the other is just a lobbyist group. You think the Humane Society of the United States runs shelters and helps animals right? Think again.
The vet schools that I am familiar with follow AVMA guidelines. Programs differ on when they offer clinicals and introduce surgery on living animals. Some offer introduction to actual surgery during terms 5 and 6, others during 6 term and still others beginning term 7. I posted the article because it specifically mentioned the term that you used in your post. Humane can cover a broad definition. Start with your state school and review their program and curriculum, see if their philosophy and practices ascribe to what you are seeking. If you are working or volunteering in a clinical setting, speak with the veterinarians and ask them about their experiences in their schools. Your state school will offer a lower cost and greater chance for admission. Are you a college or high school student? If you are in high school, another avenue is to look at the BS/DVM programs. Review their philosophy and the curriculum. I admire your desire to attend a program with high ethical standards. Lastly, review the section on education and the AVMA.
What @chestie69 said exactly. That was what they were asking about. Trying to see if S understood the difference between the two! They had a preference too!