1. Presentation Hints Here it shows the pain and distress caused by the procedure……you would have seen this clearly if the power had not gone off!

2. Choose a topic  List your topic and names of people in your group on the discussion forum.  If others are doing the same topic you may wish to change topics or discuss with them doing different aspects.  If you choose tail docking you will need to go lots deeper than I did to pass.

3. Do lots of research  Make sure you paraphrase and reference material.

4. Care interpreting resources: ?extremists – SAFE & Animal Liberation. ?emotive language & anthropormorphism. ?old data and examples. ?overseas procedures and examples. ?we have always done it this way. peer reviewed science. empathy and understanding of the animal. both sides given – preference shown ok. current NZ data and examples.

5. Presentations  5-10 slides (if used).  detail in summary, key points in presentation.  avoid emotive language & anthropomorpism.  use empathy.  ok to show point of view but give both sides.  use colour and pictures.  use humour where appropriate.  involve the audience.  reference.

6. Consider:  the animal.  Gains for:  the owner/handler etc.  society.  Options for achieving the same gains.  Costs for:  the animal.  the owner/handler etc.  society.

7. Consider comparing:  Species.  Breeds.  Ages.  Procedures.  Other factors.

8. Why the difference between extreme points of view? Consider cultural influences:  farmers.  vegetarians.  researchers.  people with serious illness (hoping for cure).  religious or ethnic beliefs.  socioeconomic groups.  breeders.  believe animals have rights the same as us.

9. Consider comparing methods available:  List these.  For each, describe the cost to the animal:  at the time.  during recovery from the procedure. intensity and duration of pain & stress.  For each, describe the cost to the owner:  time, labour and money.

10. Consider possible future methods.  Do these change the ethical cost?

11. Consider what is the best age for the procedure?  Explain the reasons for your choices.  Can neonates feel pain?  Effect on bonding and getting colostrum.  Stressed by handling?  Size of animal.  Other factors.

12. Consider the effect of other procedures undertaken at the same time?  How costly is each of these to the animal?  Are there any benefits to the animal?  Is it better to do two procedures at one time or one procedure two times.

13. Consider the issues for you as a vet nurse.  What are the possible consequences if the you chose:  to do the procedure?  not to do the procedure? What options do you have chosing not to do the procedure?

14. Consider how to effect change if you think it necessary?  Communication.  Talking, newsletters, articles.  Culture change.  Change from within, stick to guns.  Changes to the law.  Science.  Pain research, new techniques.  Information based on science.