MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF VETERINARY OFFICER
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES
ON THE OCCASION OF THE CELEBRATION OF
WORLD VETERINARY DAY 2014, SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2014
The theme of World Veterinary Day 2014 is ‘Animal Welfare’. Veterinarians here in Jamaica and across the globe will celebrate on Saturday, April 26, 2014, with a focus on animal welfare and the contribution of the veterinary profession to animals and the society. Veterinarians are inspired by their strong commitment to animal welfare and to the alleviation of the suffering of animals.
The use of animals in agriculture, education and research and for companionship, recreation and entertainment, makes a major contribution to the well-being of humans. An animal is said to be in a good state of welfare if it is healthy, comfortable, well nourished, safe, able to express natural behaviour, and if it is not suffering from unpleasant states such as pain, fear, and distress.
Animal welfare refers to the state of an animal. The treatment that an animal receives is covered by other terms such as animal care, animal husbandry, and humane treatment. Good animal welfare requires disease prevention and appropriate veterinary treatment, shelter, management and nutrition, humane handling and humane slaughter.
Sound animal welfare practices require that owners and keepers are responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs of their animals are met. These basic needs include:
- a suitable environment and housing;
- an adequate supply of food and water;
- the ability to exhibit normal behavioural patterns;
- protection from pain, injury, suffering and disease.
Some of the areas requiring intervention in terms of animal welfare include rearing, transportation, slaughter of animals and the control of stray dogs and other animal species. The promotion of responsible dog ownership can significantly reduce the numbers of stray dogs and the incidence of zoonotic diseases. The Veterinary Services Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is expected to play a lead role in preventing zoonotic diseases and ensuring animal welfare and to be involved in dog population control in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
Jamaica was represented at the 2nd Global Conference on Animal Welfare held in Cairo, Egypt in 2008 and has, since that Workshop, established a World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) National Animal Welfare Focal Point in accordance with OIE guidelines. With the continued collaboration of the veterinary fraternity with both local and overseas counterparts, Jamaica will make great strides in the area of animal welfare.
Dr. Osbil O. Watson
Director of Veterinary Services