College Connection | Fall 2023
Protecting animal welfare in today ’ s world : a unified effort continued from previous page
College Connection | Fall 2023
Protecting animal welfare in today ’ s world : a unified effort continued from previous page
being subject to undue physical or psychological hardship , privation or neglect , and having animals participate in fights or being trained to fight other animals . Veterinarians would be familiar with a past duty to report to OSPCA agents under the previous OSPCA Act . Since the PAWS Act came into force , veterinarian reports are made through the call centre , which may result in an inspection or investigation by an AWS inspector .
This is echoed in the College ’ s position statement that provides veterinarians with the College ’ s interpretation of legislation and regulations requiring veterinarians to report suspected abuse or neglect of animals .
The PAWS Act provides a veterinarian with authority to euthanize an animal without consent from an owner or custodian in specific circumstances . How can veterinarians ensure they know when to use this authority ?
The PAWS Act outlines when a veterinarian may euthanize an animal without the owner ’ s consent .
Section 61 ( 1 ) states that a veterinarian may euthanize an animal without consent when :
1 . The animal is suffering .
2 . The animal ’ s owner or custodian cannot be found promptly , or the veterinarian reasonably believes that
• The animal does not have an owner or custodian , or
• The animal has been abandoned by the owner or custodian , and
3 . Euthanasia is the most humane course of action ( defined as where immediate veterinary treatment cannot prolong the animal ’ s life or prolonging the animal ’ s life would result in undue suffering for the animal ).
All of the above listed conditions need to be present for a veterinarian to exercise that authority .
How can a veterinarian seek advice when they are unsure if a situation should be reported ?
AWS can provide advice to veterinarians as our Ontario Animal Protection Call Centre ( OAPCC ) is available 24 hours a day , seven days a week at 1-833-9-ANIMAL ( 264625 ).
If a veterinarian is working through a situation , they can request to be connected to an AWS inspector to provide help , guidance and advice . The AWS inspector will assess all the information provided when determining the next course of action , as authorized within the PAWS Act .
How can a veterinarian get to know the inspector in their area ?
AWS is continually working to encourage the public and veterinarians to contact the call centre if they see / witness an animal in distress . AWS inspectors are always encouraged to connect with local veterinarians to build strong working relationships , open the lines of communication , as well as be available to answer questions from veterinarians about the PAWS Act .
Do you have resources for veterinarians ?
In addition to our call centre and inspectors , AWS provides tools for veterinarians such as public education materials links to online resources and guides for reporting abuse or neglect . AWS is continuously working on fostering public education and outreach across the province . Visit Ontario . ca / animalwelfare for more information .
• Abuse and neglect of any animal is not tolerated in Ontario . If you think an animal is in distress or is being abused , call 1-833-9-ANIMAL ( 264625 ).
• Position Statement : Reporting Animal Abuse or Neglect
• Protecting Animal Welfare in Today ’ s World : Building Unity through Understanding , a series of podcasts sponsored by the Ontario Veterinary Medical Association and the College of Veterinarians of Ontario .
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