When picturing a veterinarian, most of us probably picture someone who has loved animals since childhood and decided to make a career out of protecting their welfare, healing their wounds and taking in those in need.
However, last Thursday in Fort Worth, Texas, a veterinarian was indicted on the charge of felony animal cruelty.
Dr. Mircea Volosen is accused of using a mallet to kill a miniature dachshund that entered his yard. The incident occurred on July 4 when the dog entered an area where Volosen keeps chickens and rabbits.
Veterinarians have to take an oath similar in purpose to the Hippocratic Oath medical doctors for humans take.
The Veterinarian’s Oath states, “I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal suffering, the conservation of livestock resources, the promotion of public health and the advancement of medical knowledge. …”
Clobbering a miniature dachshund with a mallet isn’t exactly “the protection of animal health” or “the relief of animal suffering.” His attorney, William D. Cox III, said, “This dog had been over there before,” and that Volosen was merely protecting his livestock.
This is no reason to bash the dog’s head in with a mallet. Keep in mind that miniature dachshunds usually weigh 10 pounds or less, and this dog seems to have shown no signs of aggression toward the livestock.
Of all people, a veterinarian should avoid animal death at all costs. He was right to be concerned about his chickens and rabbits, but doctors should never trade a life for a life. If he were truly concerned about his chickens and rabbits being attacked by dogs, he should have built a dog-proof pen in which to keep them.
If Volosen does not believe in the sanctity of animal life, then he does not need to be a veterinarian.
People entrust this man with their pets’ lives at a clinic, and he’s at home whacking small animals with mallets.
Do we let murderers become doctors at the neighborhood hospital? Then we shouldn’t stand for veterinarians killing people’s innocent pets.
The saddest part of all, however, is how little value people attribute to animal life. Even if Volosen is convicted, he can receive only up to two years in prison. Animals mean much to many people. This man has taken away not only someone’s property, but also a part of someone’s family.
Animals look to humans for protection, food, shelter and love. Dachshunds in particular are good watch dogs, but not good guard dogs. This means that they warn people of danger, but will not rush to meet it. Ever tried to catch an unwilling dog? It’s difficult.
This dog most likely knew Volosen as a neighbor and came up to him, trusting him. He used this trust to end the dog’s life.
Volosen has failed not only as a veterinarian but also as a man.
Jana Hatcher is a junior political science and psychology major. She can be reached at [email protected].