Perspectives of animal welfare volunteers regarding veterinarians and veterinary inspectors in Latvia

This study examines the beliefs and attitudes of animal welfare volunteers in Latvia towards veterinarians and veterinary inspectors, with the objective of shedding light on the intricate dynamics within these relationships. This study, utilising qualitative research through ten semi-structured interviews, uncovers divergent perspectives on the relationship between volunteers and veterinary professionals. Volunteers express a largely negative attitude towards veterinary inspectors, highlighting deficiency in empathy, insufficient action on concerns about illegal breeders, and punitive actions against volunteers for regulatory noncompliance. In contrast, their attitude towards veterinarians is more nuanced, encompassing both anger because of treatment costs and an acknowledgment of common objectives with certain veterinarians, especially younger professionals who exhibit dedication to animal care. The results indicate that the volunteers’ emotional commitment to animal rescue and beliefs about vets and veterinary inspectors markedly affects their interactions with them, resulting in difficulties in cooperation with the abovementioned persons. The findings highlight the vital need for improved communication and collaboration, and recommend examining prevalent ethical viewpoints about companion animals, as well as analysing the historical impact of legislation and societal norms on perceptions of animal welfare, which could enhance the discourse among stakeholders.