Code Of Ethics Part 2

Mandatory reporting duty

A veterinarian must report animal diseases of economic or public health importance to the designated authorities.

Commercial independence

Veterinary practice must maintain ethical standards and must not be under the direction or control of a layperson.

Controlled dispensing of biologicals

Biologicals must never be sold to a layperson without a valid prescription.

Required information on official health certificates

PRC Registration/License Number, PTR, and TIN.

Poor standards of husbandry

Husbandry resulting in high morbidity or mortality due to ignorance, gross errors, or deliberate neglect.

Primary aim in poor husbandry cases

To rectify and eliminate poor husbandry practices in all animal fields.

Relationship between animal health and welfare

Animal health and welfare are intrinsically related.

Basic objective of veterinary medicine

To prevent diseases before they require intervention.

First step in control of suffering

Provide immediate medical or monumental aid to an animal in distress.

Next step after emergency aid

Ongoing medical intervention to manage the condition and prevent further disease.

Final ethical action for irreversible suffering

Euthanasia when the animal's life cannot be saved to prevent unmanageable suffering.

Purpose of Article VI

To provide the summary procedure for settling disputes involving violations of the VPAP Code of Ethics.

Time for Ethics Committee to determine applicability

Within 15 days after receiving the verified complaint.

Time given to the respondent to answer

10 days from service of the order.

Consequence of failing to answer

Default judgment based on the complaint.

Preliminary conference requirement

Parties must appear at the VPAP Center without legal counsel.

Consequence if the complainant fails to appear

The complaint may be dismissed without a valid excuse.

Time for rendering judgment

Within 30 days after submission of affidavits or position papers.

Who confirms the final decision?

The VPAP Board.

Penalty for the first violation

Admonition.

Penalty for the second violation

Reprimand with a ₱5,000 fine.

Penalty for the third violation

Suspension with a ₱10,000 fine.

Penalty for the fourth violation

Expulsion from VPAP membership.

Final message of the module

By accepting self-imposed discipline, veterinarians assure the community of their highest capabilities and uphold the profession.