From Compassion to Consumption: Veterinary Ethics and Veganism
Edition #31 21st April 2024
Welcome to the thirty-first edition of our weekly publication. This week we are taking a break from our usual curated content. We instead wanted to share an original article with you that we just published. Entitled From Compassion to Consumption: Veterinary Ethics and Veganism, the article makes the case that veganism is a moral imperative for those working in the veterinary sector. Shailen, our Co-Founder, is a vegan veterinary surgeon and this article resonates deeply with the Ethical Globe team.
From Compassion to Consumption: Veterinary Ethics and Veganism
“Those we care for” and “Those we care for until we eat them or while we exploit them”.
The article discusses the moral imperative for veterinary professionals, including vets and vet nurses, to adopt a vegan lifestyle. It argues that those in the veterinary sector, who witness both the best and worst treatment of animals, should lead by example in reframing public perceptions of fellow animals as sentient beings.
The piece explores the reasons behind the cognitive dissonance observed in many veterinary professionals who are not vegan, including the veterinary profession’s entanglement with animal agriculture, ethical dilemmas, and societal attitudes. Given their oath to ensure the health and welfare of all animals, the article argues that veterinary professionals have a moral responsibility to reject animal exploitation and cruelty by adopting a vegan lifestyle.
The article also highlights changes within veterinary education and features examples of vegan vets and organisations advocating for plant-based lifestyles in the profession.
Table of contents:
What is veganism?
The veterinary oath
Cognitively dissonant behaviour in the veterinary professional
An ethical dilemma
What else fuels the cognitive dissonance of vets who treat and eat animals?
The moral responsibilities of veterinary professionals
Change is happening
The vegan vets and veterinary nurses already leading by example
Conclusion
CLICK HERE TO READ AND DOWNLOAD THE ARTICLE.