Ethicists’ commentary on the breadth of a veterinarian's role in animal welfare
Ethical question of the month, October 2025
Many veterinarians in Canada take an active role in promoting and improving animal welfare, especially when dealing with species in which they are subject matter experts. In some cases, the animal products produced are subject to calls for bans (e.g., fur farming) or the methods of production are subject to controversy (e.g., halal slaughter).
Is it acceptable to support Canadian animal producers that have animal welfare oversight in controversial industries or where there are controversial practices, when alternatives such as their international counterparts lack transparency and have poor standards?
Clare Palmer, Peter Sandøe, & Dan Weary comment on this dilemma and you can read it here: Ethicists’ commentary on the breadth of a veterinarian's role in animal welfare