Developing an ethic for the handling, restraint, and discipline of companion animals in veterinary practice

摘要

Recognition and exploration of the role of pets as family members during the 1970s resulted in a change in attitudes that has permanently altered the way society views companion animals. Subsequently, a large body of research establishing the link between animal abuse and other forms of family violence resulted in broader awareness of the importance of preventing the mistreatment of animals. Public outrage over deliberate acts of animal abuse have often prompted legislative attempts to strengthen animal cruelty laws. In 31 States, at least one form of animal cruelty is now considered a felony (up from about 15 in 1995), and even though animals do not have explicit legal rights, they are considered a special form of property, with limitations on their treatment firmly grounded in centuries of common law. A recent proposal in San Francisco, California, would change the word "owner" to "guardian" in all city-wide statutes pertaining to companion animals. Although largely symbolic, this proposed change is indicative of the extent to which society has moved away from the notion of companion animals as property.