Improving Aesthetics or Exploiting Animals? Exploration of Cosmetic Surgery in Dogs with Public Lecture I P-LO
Students within the interest in the profession, Pet Learning Organization (P-LO) Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Udayana University again held Public Lecture I "Cluster Canine" P-LO 2024 which revolved around exploring ethics in the aesthetic actions of beloved animals, especially dogs, on Saturday, 18 May 2024.
This public lecture was held online through Cisco Webex Meetings and successfully attracted 160 participants consisting of 119 veterinary medicine students from Udayana University, 4 veterinary medicine students from Airlangga University, 24 veterinary medicine students from Wijaya Kusuma University Surabaya, as well as 13 public participants. With the general theme "Improving Aesthetics or Exploiting Animals? Exploring Dog Cosmetic Surgery: Ethics, Animal Welfare and Negative Impacts," this lecture invited experienced speakers who are cynologists in Indonesia and international dog show judges, Martin Riady.
For approximately one hour, Mr. Martin explained about aesthetic procedures on pets, such as cosmetic surgery. He mentioned that cosmetic surgery in dogs are changes made to an animal's physique with the aim of increasing its visible attractiveness and as a corrective medical measure, for example tail docking, ear cropping, and dewclaw removal. In Indonesia, even though there is an animal welfare law, there has never been a legal problem regarding cosmetic surgery. Supported by the fact that it does not seem to have a significant long-term impact, so in the future cosmetic surgery will continue to develop over time.
This event aims to enable participants to better understand the definition, reasons and impact of cosmetic surgery itself, as well as disseminating aspects of animal welfare and existing policies. "The aim of carrying out this public lecture activity is to provide an in-depth understanding to veterinary students throughout Indonesia regarding animal welfare, especially in the field of cosmetic surgery on dogs," said Head of Committee of the Public Lecture I "Canine Cluster" P-LO 2024, Sabrina Indah Valensia.
Despite experiencing some technical difficulties in showing the presentation slides, this lecture was received quite well by the participants. "This activity hopes to equip students with the knowledge and understanding needed to become ethical and responsible veterinary practitioners," said Sabrina.
Author: Manuella Waya LPM SS
UDAYANA UNIVERSITY