Class Deontology, Ethics and the Challenges of the Veterinary Profession

The curricular unit aims to provide students with fundamental knowledge in the fields of ethics, deontology and legislation applied to the veterinary profession. The course promotes critical reflection on the philosophical foundations of ethics, animal ethics and the main ethical dilemmas associated with contemporary veterinary medicine. It also aims to develop competences related to the interpretation and application of the Veterinary Deontological Code, animal welfare legislation and legislation applicable to companion animals and production animals. The curricular unit also addresses the main professional, emotional, social and ethical challenges associated with the veterinary profession, encouraging critical analysis, professional communication and well-founded decision-making.

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Introduction to ethics, morality, bioethics and deontology. Professional ethics and the relationship between ethics and legislation. Philosophical foundations of animal ethics: moral status of animals, sentience, speciesism, utilitarianism, animal rights, virtue ethics, contractualism and the relational perspective. Animal ethics applied to veterinary medicine: animal welfare, euthanasia, informed consent, conflicts of interest, financial limitations and professional responsibility. Veterinary Code of Ethics: fundamental principles, professional duties, confidentiality, responsibility, professional communication and disciplinary offences. Legislation applicable to companion animals: protection, identification, abuse, abandonment and legal responsibilities. Animal welfare legislation for farm animals: European and national legislation, protection on farms and animal transport. Contemporary challenges of the profession: burnout, communication, ethical conflicts, One Health and sustainability

The curricular unit uses active learning methodologies focused on student participation and the practical application of contents. Strategies include case-based learning, discussion of ethical dilemmas, analysis of real or simulated situations, role-play of communication scenarios and guided legal research using official platforms such as EUR-Lex, the Portuguese Official Gazette and DGAV resources. Debates, group work and collaborative problem-solving activities aim to promote critical thinking, reasoned argumentation, decision-making and the ability to apply ethical, deontological and legal principles to veterinary practice. These methodologies encourage autonomy, active participation and the development of transferable professional skills.

Ordem dos Médicos Veterinários. (n.d.). Código deontológico da Ordem dos Médicos Veterinários. Ordem dos Médicos Veterinários. (n.d.). Estatuto da Ordem dos Médicos Veterinários. Rollin, B. E. (2013). An introduction to veterinary medical ethics: Theory and cases (2nd ed.). Wiley-Blackwell. Singer, P. (1975). Animal liberation. HarperCollins.