ONE OF the major objectives of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) is to further the cause of animal welfare in the light of current veterinary scientific knowledge.
The association has endorsed the general principles of companion animal welfare stated in the European Convention for the Protection of Pet Animals 2001, which states:
“This convention recognises that man has a moral obligation to respect all living creatures and to protect the environment in which we all live on this planet.”
In the light of this the Malaysian Small Animal Veterinary Association (MSAVA), being a member association of WSAVA, considers that a basic common standard of attitude and practice, which results in responsible pet ownership, is not only desirable, but also a realistic goal.
MSAVA is a signatory to the WSAVA Convention for the Protection of Companion Animals. All surgical procedures for the purpose of modifying the appearance of a companion animal should be actively discouraged.
The operations, termed “cosmetic or non-therapeutic operations”, cited by WSAVA include docking of tails, cropping of ears, devocalisation and declawing and defanging.
There is an urgent need to create public awareness and educate pet owners, breeders as well as veterinarians to refrain from cosmetic operations which cause undue pain and suffering to the animals concerned.
DR P. VANAJA,
Vice president,
Malaysian Small Animal Veterinary Association.
(via e-mail)
