Veterinarians, veterinary nurses and students are to be better protected from violence in Germany. A draft bill to amend the Criminal Code proposes extending special legal protection to veterinarians as members of a healthcare profession. For years, veterinary practices and authorities have reported a noticeable coarsening of communication – particularly during emergency services, emotionally stressful situations or animal welfare inspections by official veterinarians.
Protecting individuals acting ‘for the common good’
‘We are pleased to note that the increasing threat, especially to medical professionals in emergency services, is being taken seriously,’ commented Holger Vogel, president of the Federal Veterinary Chamber (BTK). ‘Attacks on individuals who assume responsibility for the common good on a daily basis are unacceptable and must be consistently prosecuted.'
Increased risk of aggression, in particular out of hours
Veterinarians and veterinary nurses, in particular, are exposed to an increased risk of attacks, especially during emergency services. A survey conducted by the BTK in 2020 revealed some alarming results regarding threats and violence in veterinary practices. Furthermore, veterinary practices often maintain in-house pharmacies, making them potential targets for drug-related crimes.
Not only practitioners
Official veterinarians are also repeatedly subjected to verbal and physical attacks in the course of their official duties – for example during inspections. ‘The special legal protection of this professional group is therefore urgently needed and long overdue.’ The planned amendment to the law corresponds to a long-standing demand of the BTK, he added.
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