I Would like to, but I can ’t. An Online Survey on the Moral Challenges of German Farm Veterinarians

AbstractThe job of veterinarians is often described as morally challenging. This online survey (n  = 123) investigated how farm veterinarians in Germany perceive these challenges. Most participants described their job in accordance with the literature: as a profession that regularly has to deal with morally difficult decisions. The majority assumed that their moral challenges were greater th an the ones of small animal practitioners. The results indicate that the typical moral challenges are (a) situations in which the farm veterinarians are convinced to know what is morally right, however, specific external obstacles prevent them from implementing their convictions. Therefore, the cent ral moral problem from the veterinarians’ point of view can be described with the following words: “I would like to, but I can’t.” Other ideal types of moral challenges like (b) open ethical questions, (c) ethical dilemmas or (d) “duty vs. inclination” conflicts play a less prominent rol e. With regard to dealing with these challenges, the study shows that farm veterinarians are looking for exchange, for example with colleagues. Most participants see the current social debate about livestock farming as something that stresses them, arguing that their university’s curriculum did no t adequately prepare them to participate in these controversies.
Source: Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics - Category: Medical Ethics Source Type: research