Impact of Veterinary Education on Ethical Issue Perception

Abstract

Animal welfare advocates and veterinarians are concerned with ethical animal issues. High animal production efficiency has been met thanks to biotechnological production systems. On the other hand, it is believed that these are putting welfare at risk and posing moral and ethical dilemmas, especially for veterinarians. The Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Hisar, Haryana conducted a study to find out how scientists and students felt about animal ethical issues because there was a lack of knowledge on this topic. A total sample of 170 scientists and students were selected at random. The perception was measured with a questionnaire and was defined as an inclination toward acceptance of factory farming, animal rights, cloning, xenotransplantation, and stem cell research, either positively or negatively. The mean score of the responses indicated that the participants held an unbiased view regarding scientific progress. The average response score revealed that respondents had a neutral opinion about scientific advancements, Scientists' acceptance of animal ethics is far greater than students'.  Veterinary education seems to have a major influence on perception. The assertion that cultural and traditional values have an influence is further supported by the fact that there is little variation in the respondents' opinions. It is suggested that additional research be done on the factors related to perception.