Veterinary Ethics and Jurisprudence
Veterinary Ethics and Jurisprudence, Veterinary forensic medicine and Veterinary legal medicine are considered synonyms.
Veterinary Ethics and Jurisprudence pertains to their (animals) protection and unraveling crimes against them.
In a way it protects the animals, which in turn may protect the individuals and the society. It
makes to understand the Principles of Code and Ethics for the professionals. It deals with the questions which related to injury and death of the animal brought to the veterinarian for taking
up the matters in the Court of law. It includes line of treatment and diagnosis. It helps the vets to approach and handle the accident and poisoning cases in the field.
It is essential to have fair knowledge in the subjects of veterinary science to give evidence in Vetero- legal problems. He must be well aware off the Acts affecting his privileges and obligations in the veterinary practice.
Hence, a thorough knowledge of the legal procedures in the criminal courts is essential for veterinary practitioner.
Legal Duties of a Veterinarian
To make a veterinarian know and recognize his exact duties, privileges and responsibilities in vetrol-legal cases both as witness and as an expert advisor it is very essential that he should have a fair knowledge of all the subjects of veterinary sciences.
Veterinarian must be well acquainted with the animal related acts and the legal procedures in the criminal courts.
Veterinarian has the following responsibilities:
- Conducting postmortem examination of the vetro-legal cases.
- Investigations of common offences against animals.
- Investigations in case of frauds in the sale of livestock and livestock products.
- Issuing health certificates.
- To get the real culprits punished and help in providing justice and fair treatment to man and animal and also to save innocent people/persons from the false accusations of crime.
- To prevent cruelty to animals.
- Application and enforcement of state of law meant for animals. (Prevention of cruelty to Animals, Cattle Trespass Act).
- To protect the interests of society at large and prevent the unethical practices in relation to animals in the society.
- In fact everything in which recourse to law is necessary in relation to the veterinary profession.
