Title: Explain ethical and legal issues affecting animal ownership.
Course: Small Animal Care II (18102-II) > Section: Explaining Aspects of Companion Animal Ownership

Explanation should include

- controversial procedures (i.e., tail docking, ear cropping, declawing, and debarking)
- evaluation of various sources for obtaining animals (e.g., humane societies, pet shops, backyard breeders, rescue groups)
- issues involved in overpopulation, including feral colony management
- laws and regulations governing animal ownership (e.g., restrictions on tethering an animal outside in extreme weather, providing adequate shelter and access to fresh food and water)
- vaccination requirements, local licensing, and leash laws.

Process/Skill Questions:

- What is the difference between legal and ethical?
- Why are ear cropping and tail docking often considered cosmetic surgeries? Why do pet owners choose to have these surgeries performed? What are alternatives to these surgeries?
- Why is the source for acquiring an animal an ethical issue? What are puppy mills?
- Why are vaccination requirements, local licensing, and leash laws so important as to become parts of public policy?
- What are some key management techniques used in feral cat colonies?