I've been reading some studies and articles from the AVMA and I was wondering why you guys consider american TNR theoretical? Is it common for American vets to support TNR or is backing from the AVMA purely political/PR related? Thanks for taking the time to read my question. If I'm asking the wrong bunch, can you point me to a blog that is more well versed on american veterinary medicine?
gettingvetted here.
The answer you are referring to is here. TNR, in and of itself, is not theoretical. It happens every day, all over the US. The debate surrounding TNR and its alternatives (i.e., mass euthanasia of feral cats) is what is theoretical in this country, and that is what the previous answer was discussing. The US is not going to go the Australian route anytime soon. Even among veterinary professionals, you would be hard pressed to find one that thinks mass euthanasia is a good idea. Even though I understand the science and statistics behind it, and wouldn't necessarily be opposed to it as a whole, you would not be able to get me personally to euthanize an otherwise "healthy" cat simply because it is feral. Instead, I beg all my cat-owning clients to keep their cats indoors.
There will always be TNR here, for better or worse.
the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) released an article today, titled ‘Being Black in a White Profession’ and i wanted to share some of my experiences as a black woman in vetmed.
when i worked at a small animal vet clinic throughout undergrad, there were several clients who i was not allowed to answer the phone for or even go to the front of the building because if they saw me they would cause a scene. they were violently racist people. instead of firing those clients, my boss subjected me to being hidden away in the back of the clinic like a secret. i couldnt properly do my job.
i have been harassed more than once throughout my journey in vetmed. coworkers & clients alike have asked me if im mixed, what im mixed with, how old i am, if im single, etc etc.
white coworkers have said the n-word around me. white coworkers will say black lives dont matter, or things with a similar sentiment with me in the room.
i have shadowed & worked at a total of 4 clinics. out of the four, only one had a black veterinarian. at two of these places, i have been the ONLY person of color on staff.
i have never, ever seen a black mixed/large animal veterinarian throughout my journey in vetmed. i dont have anyone to look up to.
my veterinary school only has 3 black professors/clinicians on staff. only three.
the class of 2024 at my school has 2 black students. out of 125 students. there are less than 10 students of color in total, out of 125 students.
some of my classmates think that black students only get into vet school due to affirmative action. i 100% earned my spot (and so did all of my counterparts of color) - i had well over 3000 hours of varied experience, a 3.8 GPA, and i scored a 313 on the GRE
now, my experiences are not universal but they are common in a profession such as this. there is an extreme lack of accessibility for people of color and once we make it, we face unspeakable racism, we are subjected to bias and stereotypes, and we feel extremely alienated. please take a second to read the article! thanks for reading ^_^
On Jan. 11, the AVMA House of Delegates updated the policy on declawing, or onychectomy, to express more explicit opposition to routine use of the procedure. It also states that the AVMA defers to veterinarians to decide what’s best for each patient and client.
“Discouraging declawing moves the AVMA policy in closer alignment with positions established by the American Association of Feline Practitioners and American Animal Hospital Association, which also discourage declawing and encourage veterinarians to educate clients about alternatives.
AAFP states in its policy that feline declawing is ethically controversial, unnecessary in most instances, and a response to behaviors cats inherit and learn. The AAHA position statement indicates that a few circumstances—such as tumors or chronic infections—require claw removal, and it notes that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not list declawing among means of preventing disease in humans.”
The four-week program introduces veterinary students to public policy issues facing the profession and provides hands-on lobbying experience.
If you’re interested in making an impact on the policies regulating animal welfare, breed restrictions, or regulations dealing with Veterinary medicine, this would be a good idea.