OPINION OF FIRST AND FINAL YEAR VETERINARY STUDENTS ON THE RIGHTS AND WELFARE OF ANIMALS

Abstract

Nowadays, the role of animals in society has changed. Animals are no longer considered as property, but as living beings. When it comes to veterinary medicine, there are also changes in interests between men and women, as well as professional preferences. Studies have shown that gender and concern for animal welfare also influence the level of concern for animal health. The aim of this study was to assess the difference in opinion between first and final year veterinary students in relation to ethical dilemmas and animal welfare. A total of 200 first and final year veterinary students were included in the study. Survey Monkey was used to collect information, and the survey consisted of ten questions. The results are divided into demographic data, ethical dilemmas in the field of animal rights and opinion on euthanasia. No statistically significant difference was found between the genders and the place of growing up of the examined students. Almost half of the first year students (49%) expressed a desire to work with social animals, and only 11% with farm animals. When it comes to final year students, most of them also want to work with social animals (36%), but there is also an interest in working with farm animals (20%). Differences in opinion about animal rights and euthanasia were more influenced by the gender of the students compared to the year of study. The study showed that, in the student population, there is a reduced interest in farm animals, and that fact should be given more attention. Also, it is necessary to guide students more towards their areas of interest during their studies, so that, when get their diploma, they can immediately know in which area of veterinary medicine they want to work.