animalnewsblog.com

Recently, there has been a new and (not surprisingly) upsetting attack on Purdue’s Veterinary School, specifically Veterinary Technology, by famed animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).  The well-meaning letter from a veterinary technician student asking for someone to adopt her laboratory dog fell into the hands of PETA, who took the opportunity to focus their attention on Purdue’s use of dogs for student teaching.  While most of you will agree, allowing students to learn their trade in a hands-on manner is an excellent idea, PETA has sent a letter to Purdue demanding all animal-related learning to “cease and desist”.  Of course, PETA has no actual power in the matter, but I felt that clarification of how valuable these animals are to veterinary students and veterinary technicians is called for.  First off, each of the dogs are assigned to students who take care of them, walk them, play with them in a big yard, and teach them tricks (so they are even more adoptable).  They are bathed regularly, given all of their flea/tick/heartworm control, and medications when they are sick.  They are treated exactly as any other pet that comes to Purdue Veterinary Teaching Hospital if they are ill.  Some of the skills that students learn include physical examination, behavior training (using only positive reinforcement), and how to put on bandages.  Now PETA argues that all of these skills can be learned on models and client-owned animals, but I believe that learning with a dog that is yours for the semester is much more valuable and educational.  Once students progress to their final years of training, they do indeed practice their skills on animals at the hospital under the supervision of clinicians and registered veterinary technicians, but they are at that point highly competent from their previous experience!  I hope that PETA supporters will think carefully and weight the sides before concluding that anyone at Purdue has ever mistreated an animal, as veterinarians and veterinary technicians are some of animals’ greatest advocates.  I appreciate that occasionally PETA hits the nail on the head with some of their investigations and findings and even yesterday they revealed what we can all agree are atrocious conditions at one of Petsmart’s distributors.  However, in attacking Purdue, they have alienated and upset students how are dedicating their lives to helping those who cannot speak. 
http://blog.peta.org/archives/2008/01/purdue_universi.php

http://www.purdueexponent.org/?module=article&story_id=9390
p.s. For the record, dogs are not euthanized when they do not find a new home. They simply repeat the year with a new group of students!