Well known English writer Michael Morpurgo once said, “Animals are sentient, intelligent, perceptive, funny and entertaining. We owe them a duty of care as we do to children.”
There is little denying that animals, just like humans, need care and especially medical care. But the pet-owning residents in Rotorua are facing a challenge as every other vet in Rotorua uses an after-hours service in Tauranga.
To take up this issue, Kathy Warbrick, a resident of Putaruru, has started a petition named 'Emergency After Hours Vet Care Needed In Rotorua.’ (https://www.change.org/p/emergency-after-hours-vet-care-needed-in-rotorua?source_location=petitions_browse).
Explaining the reason behind starting the petition, Warbrick wrote, “Imagine it is 8.30 pm and you have discovered your pet needs emergency vet care in Rotorua. You ring your vet, only to discover that they, just like every other vet in Rotorua, use an after-hour service in Tauranga. I would like all Rotorua vets, as a collective, to organise a Rotorua after-hours emergency service, so our pets can get the help they need when they need it here in Rotorua.”
One of the signatories of the petition, Carol Miller, says, "This is outrageous and inhumane.. come on, Rotorua vets, get your act together, if smaller places like Kaitaia and Mangonui in the far north can manage it, SO CAN YOU.”
Indian Weekender spoke to Veterinary Associations and Animal welfare activists to know their take on the issue and what needs to be done.
‘Mindful of managing reduced resources as efficiently as possible.'
New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA), Head of Veterinary Services (Companion Animals) Sally Cory maintains that NZVA is sympathetic to the concerns raised regarding arrangements for companion animal emergency services in the Rotorua District. “Whilst we support collaboration amongst clinics regarding after-hours arrangements, we understand that this may not always result in an optimal solution. A local resolution would not necessarily result in a reduced wait time for services, particularly if a sole veterinarian needed to triage multiple simultaneous emergencies. We are currently mindful of managing reduced resources as efficiently as possible across the profession," says Cory.
‘Animal owners should be aware of the pressure vets are under.'
Iain McLachlan, CEO & Registrar of the Veterinary Council of New Zealand, reveals that they are working with clinics to tackle these issues. “The Veterinary Council sets standards for veterinarians, including a rule that they must have a 24-7 emergency service available to their clients. There is a shortage of veterinarians in New Zealand, and we are aware that providing an after-hours emergency service is becoming difficult for many vets around the country. We're working with clinics to tackle these issues, but animal owners should be aware of the pressure vets are under. Vets are not publicly funded and an important part of responsible pet ownership is making sure you have a plan to deal with unexpected situations involving your pet’s health.”
‘Government and local bodies should ensure animal welfare is assured.'
SAFE (Save Animals From Exploitation) CEO Debra Ashton feels government and local bodies should ensure animal welfare. "SAFE believes after-hours medical care is important for all animals, and we hope local clinics can respond to emergencies. However, we know this can be difficult in smaller communities, especially since New Zealand also faces a shortage of Veterinarians. In the interim, SAFE would like to see the Government and local bodies support these communities and to ensure animal welfare is assured,” says Ashton.
‘Aware of the pressure veterinarians are under currently.'
Georgia Gilbertson from SPCA (The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Incorporated) feels that the fact that NZ is facing a shortage of vets is the reason behind this. “We acknowledge it can be hard for people around the country to access veterinarian care at the moment as there is a vet shortage across NZ. We are aware of the pressure veterinarians are under currently. In relation to after-hours care, SPCA always recommends that pet owners have an established relationship with a primary veterinarian who will offer some form of out-of-hours service for their registered clients."
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