Veterinarian Involvement in the Prevention and Intervention of Human Violence and Animal Abuse: A Survey of Small Animal Practitioners

ABSTRACTThe objectives of this study were to 1) characterize small animal veterinarians' attitudes about their role in prevention and intervention in suspected cases of human violence and/or animal abuse presenting in a clinical setting, 2) estimate the incidence of animal abuse seen in small animal practices using self-reported rates of suspected animal abuse, and 3) relate demographic and practice data to the incidence data and responses regarding abuse intervention and prevention. The study design was an epidemiological investigation with descriptive and analytical components using a self-administered questionnaire. The sample consisted of 1000 small animal veterinarians randomly selected from the membership list of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Relevant data regarding the veterinarians' attitudes about human violence and animal abuse intervention were collected through an anonymous, self-administered mail survey. Estimated animal abuse incidence data, level of agreement to statements ab...