A Facts, Issues, Law, and Application (FILA) approach to teaching critical analysis in veterinary animal welfare, jurisprudence and ethics.

The intricate landscape of animal welfare, veterinary jurisprudence and animal ethics presents significant challenges for veterinary students, requiring not only theoretical knowledge but also robust analytical and decision-making skills. Current veterinary curricula often lack a systematic framework, making traditional lecture-based methods insufficient for developing the analytical skills needed to address complex scenarios beyond simple factual recall. This abstract outlines a discussion focused on integrating the FILA (Facts, Issues, Law/Ethics, Application/Analysis) table as a structured pedagogical tool for DVM 3 students at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FPV), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). To address this, the FILA table will be applied directly to diverse case studies and scenarios drawn from veterinary practice and contemporary animal welfare challenges. This methodical approach will guide students to: 1) Identify and categorize key facts presented within each scenario; 2) Articulate the core issues pertaining to animal welfare, legal obligations, or ethical dilemmas embedded in the case; 3) Recall and apply relevant laws, regulations, and ethical principles (e.g., Five Freedoms, Animal Welfare Act 2015, guide to professional codes of conduct) pertinent to the specific situation; and 4) Analyze the case comprehensively, leading to reasoned conclusions or proposed interventions. This discussion aims to demonstrate how the FILA framework, when used with practical case studies, can empower DVM 3 students to develop a more holistic understanding of multifaceted situations, enhance their critical thinking abilities, and prepare them for ethically sound and legally compliant decision-making in their future professional practice. Ultimately, the adoption of the FILA table with real-world scenarios is envisioned to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, fostering a generation of veterinarians equipped to navigate the complexities of animal welfare with confidence and competence.

Text (Abstract) [UPDATED] 2025 VET ED ASIA ABSTRACT.pdf - Other Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (139kB)

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