Deo: We really need more vets
FIJI needs to urgently address issues faced by veterinarian graduates because the absence of a registration system is affecting animal welfare across the country.
“It is extremely important we have enough vets in the country who provide desexing services,” said Seema Deo, the president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Despite several years of rigorous training, university graduates currently find themselves unable to practise as veterinarians in Fiji due to the absence of a registration system.
The laws related to their predicament need to be rectified so they can use their skills to help in the care of animals.
“The impact of having a cadre of welltrained veterinarians cannot be overstated,” Ms Deo said.
Beyond just addressing issues like desexing, these professionals would play a pivotal role in safeguarding animal health and providing timely assistance to communities, especially in remote areas where veterinary services are often scarce.
“We need to get people on board with this as well,” she said.
“The government is doing what they can, but we really need more vets in Fiji.”
Ms Deo emphasised the broader implications, stating that having an ample number of veterinarians in the country not only addressed immediate concerns but also helped foster a culture of responsible pet ownership.
The SPCA and other organisations have been actively involved in training the graduates, creating a pool of skilled professionals ready to make a positive impact.
However, Shaneed Narayan, the manager of animal shelter, said “the bottleneck of registration restrictions hampers young vets abilities to fully utilise their skills and training”.
In addition to the focus on the Veterinary Surgeons Act, discussions with the Government extend to tightening existing laws, particularly the Dog Act. The intention is not only to increase penalties for offences but also to implement measures ensuring accountability. Proposals include stricter identification requirements for animals, addressing the issue where individuals disown their dogs to evade fines.
“We are in the talks to implementing micro-chips so that we can scan it and whoever that dog is registered under can be held accountable,” Ms Deo said.