The role of Veterinarians in Improving Animal Welfare in Indonesia

By: Maryam Smeer, S. Kom

Translator : AWI Team

At the Animal Welfare International Conference held on 7 December 2023 by Animal Welfare Indonesia, Dr. drh. Muhammad Munawaroh, MM as Chairman of the Indonesian Veterinary Association (PDHI) became one of the keynote speakers.

Image 1: Dr. drh. Muhammad Munawaroh, MM, for Animal Welfare Indonesia Conference 7 Desember 2023

In his presentation, he emphasised several important points that all veterinarians and the public should take to heart. Here is the summary:

1. Animal Welfare: A Shared Responsibility

Dr. drh. Muhammad Munawaroh, MM started by saying that animal welfare is a shared responsibility that has been regulated in various laws and regulations.

He emphasised that the problem of mistreatment of animals is still common in some areas in Indonesia

Veterinarians, as medical experts in animal health, have a deep understanding of animal behaviour and welfare.

They play an important role in ensuring that animals are treated well and protected from treatment that could be detrimental to their welfare.

2. The Five Freedoms of Animals

Dr. drh. Muhammad Munawaroh, MM also highlighted the importance of the ‘Five Freedoms’ which are the main guidelines in maintaining animal welfare.

These five freedoms include freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain and disease, freedom to express natural behaviours, and freedom from fear and stress.

Veterinarians have an obligation to ensure that every animal in their care has access to these freedoms. For example, when a pet owner brings five cats to the clinic and places them in a cramped space.

For example, when a pet owner brings five cats to the clinic and places them in a cramped space. In this situation, the veterinarian is responsible for educating the owner on the importance of giving the animals enough space.

3. Veterinary Practitioners’ Daily Practices

In daily practice, veterinarians must always prioritise animal welfare. This is done by providing proper medical care, preventing disease, and ensuring that animals are treated with compassion.

In this regard, Dr drh. Muhammad Munawaroh, MM also emphasised that it is important for veterinarians to have qualified staff and understand effective management techniques, such as in administering anaesthesia that is safe and comfortable for animals

3. Dr. Drh. Muhammad Munawaroh- PDHI animal welfare_page-0005 (1)

Image 2: Presentation of Dr. drh. Muhammad Munawaroh, MM pat AWI Conference 2023

4. Animal Welfare Advocate

One of the important roles of veterinarians is advocating for the rights of animal freedom. They are not only responsible to the animals in their care, but also to animal owners, farmers, producers, and the public at large

This advocacy includes the proper treatment of animals, ethical destruction of animals in research, and education about the importance of animal welfare.

5. Education to the Community

Dr. drh. Muhammad Munawaroh, MM emphasised the importance of educating the public about animal welfare.

Veterinarians should play an active role in promoting good animal management practices. They should provide knowledge to animal owners on how to properly care for animals. They should also motivate the community to participate in protecting and improving animal welfare.

Veterinarians are the only doctors educated to protect both animal
and human health.
(Dr. drh. Muhammad Munawaroh, MM)

6. Scientific Research and Development

Scientific research is also integral to improving animal welfare. Veterinarians are encouraged to avoid using animals in research whenever possible. This can be done by replacing them with other methods such as organ or cell tissue culture.

When the use of animals cannot be avoided, veterinarians should ensure that the animals are treated in a way that minimises pain and stress

7. Code of Ethics and Legal Compliance

Compliance with the code of ethics and laws and regulations is very important in the veterinary profession. This code of ethics covers various aspects, ranging from general ethics, ethics towards oneself, towards colleagues, and towards patients.

Veterinarians must prioritise animal welfare and always consider the interests of animals in every medical action taken.

8. Collaboration with Multiple Parties

At the end of his speech, Dr. drh. Muhammad Munawaroh, MM emphasised the importance of collaboration between veterinarians and various stakeholders in animal welfare. These include the government, educational institutions, animal welfare organisations, and the wider community.

This collaboration is necessary to ensure that animal welfare efforts can run effectively and have a significant impact.

3. Dr. Drh. Muhammad Munawaroh- PDHI animal welfare_page-0018

Image 3: Presentation of Dr. drh. Muhammad Munawaroh, MM at AWI Conference 2023

Conclusions

The veterinary profession plays a key role in maintaining animal welfare. With their knowledge, skills, and responsibilities, veterinarians must play an active role in providing the best medical services for animals, advocating for animal rights, and educating the public about the importance of animal welfare.

Collaboration with various parties is also very important to strengthen efforts to improve animal welfare in Indonesia.

Dr drh. Muhammad Munawaroh, MM can be listened to directly on the Animal Welfare Indonesia Youtube
Channel. In addition, the presentation file of Dr drh. Muhammad Munawaroh, MM can be viewed at this link.