title: Dilemmas experienced by government veterinarians when responding professionally to farm animal welfare incidents in Ireland.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper identifies the dilemmas experienced by government veterinarians during their investigations of farm animal welfare incidents that involve herd owner social, health, and/or psychological difficulties. The paper builds on exploratory qualitative research into the impact of these difficulties on farm animal welfare.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study used a qualitative research approach. Focus groups were conducted.
  
  
  METHODS
  In Ireland, an Early Warning System (EWS), which brings together relevant agencies, is in place to identify and prevent farm animal welfare problems before they become critical. This study is concerned with the experiences of government veterinarians who respond to farm animal welfare incidents. Specific focus is on incidents that involve herd owner social/psychological/health-related difficulties.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, n=18 government veterinarians (representing 15 per cent of the population sample), all with a keen interest in farm animal welfare, participated. These were selected on the basis of their interest, experience, and involvement in farm animal welfare. One government veterinarian declined to participate. Four focus groups were conducted with government veterinarians. These took place in the south (S), south-west (SW), midlands (M), and north-west region of Ireland (NW). All 16 District Veterinary Offices (DVOs) were represented in the focus groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results reveal three professional dilemmas that exist for government veterinarians: (1) defining professional parameters; (2) determining the appropriate response; (3) involvement versus detachment. Participants reported not wanting any additional training. Instead, it was agreed that a formal bridge to social service providers who have the professional capability to respond appropriately and with confidence, was required.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Clearly defined guidelines are required for government veterinarians in their encounters with farm animal welfare incidents where there is a complex human component. A coordinated multiagency approach that is flexible enough to meet the needs of individual farm animal welfare cases is required.
authors.affiliation: Glendalough, co. Wicklow , Ireland.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Devitt
authors.affiliation: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine , State Veterinary Services , Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 , Ireland.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.affiliation: Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine , State Veterinary Services , Agriculture House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2 , Ireland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Blake
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin , Dublin 4 , Ireland.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hanlon
authors.affiliation: Centre for Veterinary Epidemiology and Risk Analysis, UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin , Dublin 4 , Ireland.
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: More
keywords: Farm animals; Legislation; Welfare