Please read! A statement regarding seeking veterinary treatment.

[daftscotslass]

Following observations from the admin team and numerous messages from concerned members we would like to remind people that they should seek advice from a qualified veterinary professional should any of their animals become ill. Ultimately who an individual takes their pet to is their own decision but we cannot condone repeated attempts to advise people that taking their pet to the vet is not in the best interests of the animal.

We understand that some people have had negative experiences with veterinary professionals but this is in no way indicative of the entire profession. Veterinary surgeons spend 5 years at university with regular practical placement and while this does not equate to expertise in any particular field (especially so for rodents), their general medical, observational and practical skills are are honed and assessed throughout their time at university and on placement. There are many members here who would be more than happy to advise people on alternatives should they have problems with their local vet; our members are located across the country and, indeed, the world.

While we appreciate the expertise of certain members of the public in their knowledge of the healthcare of guinea pigs, it is important to note the following:

19 Restriction of practice of veterinary surgery by unqualified persons
[FONT=IPFCFH+Arial,Arial][FONT=IPFCFH+Arial,Arial](1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, no individual shall practise, or hold himself out as practising or as being prepared to practise, veterinary surgery unless he is registered in the register of veterinary surgeons or the supplementary veterinary register, and an individual who acts in contravention of this subsection shall be liable— [/FONT][/FONT][FONT=IPFCFH+Arial,Arial][FONT=IPFCFH+Arial,Arial]
(a) on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding [the prescribed sum] ​

(b) on conviction on indictment to a fine.

[/FONT][/FONT]

Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (please note the ONLY exemptions to this are in the case of First Aid or minor ailments and again PLEASE seek vet advice if you are unaware what constitutes a "minor ailment" )

[FONT=BookAntiquaParliamentary,Bold][FONT=BookAntiquaParliamentary,Bold]4 Unnecessary suffering[/FONT]
[/FONT](1) A person commits an offence if—
(a) an act of his, or a failure of his to act, causes an animal to suffer,
(b) he knew, or ought reasonably to have known, that the act, or failure to
act, would have that effect or be likely to do so,
(c) the animal is a protected animal, and
(d) the suffering is unnecessary.​

(2) A person commits an offence if—
(a) he is responsible for an animal,
(b) an act, or failure to act, of another person causes the animal to suffer,
(c) he permitted that to happen or failed to take such steps (whether by
way of supervising the other person or otherwise) as were reasonable
in all the circumstances to prevent that happening, and
(d) the suffering is unnecessary.​

(3) The considerations to which it is relevant to have regard when determining for
the purposes of this section whether suffering is unnecessary include—
(a) whether the suffering could reasonably have been avoided or reduced;
(b) whether the conduct which caused the suffering was in compliance
with any relevant enactment or any relevant provisions of a licence or
code of practice issued under an enactment;
​

(c) whether the conduct which caused the suffering was for a legitimate
purpose, such as—
(i) the purpose of benefiting the animal, or
(ii) the purpose of protecting a person, property or another animal;
(d) whether the suffering was proportionate to the purpose of the conduct
concerned;​

(e) whether the conduct concerned was in all the circumstances that of a
reasonably competent and humane person.

Following some discussion between the admin team it has been decided that members persistently advising against seeking veterinary help will result in a warning via the forum's infraction system. Repeated warnings may result in temporary suspension or banning from the forum. We hope that our members will be understanding and will continue to use the "report post" button.

Any questions please do not hesitate to send us a message

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Note from Admin

Although this thread is already in the 'announcements' section of the forum, I have copied it here, as I feel it is something that needs to be reiterated, and remembered when dealing with a sick animal.