PULLMAN, Wash. — Robert Speth, a professor of veterinary pharmacology in the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, has been elected president-elect of the Society for Veterinary Medical Ethics.
“Among my goals as president will be to increase the visibility of the veterinary profession as society’s leading voice in the welfare and treatment of all animals,” said Speth.
Speth said he is concerned that the role of veterinary medicine in the public’s eye has been diminished by animal rights extremism, perhaps leading to a misunderstanding of the human-animal bond. “I also plan to encourage increased scientific study of animal well-being to help improve the lot of animals within the economic and practical framework of our world.”
Speth will assume the presidency in July 1998. He is a charter member of the society and has served as its treasurer since it was founded in 1994. Speth is also the founding editor of the society’s newsletter, now in its third year of publication.
The election was held at the society’s July meeting in Reno, Nev., where the topic of the plenary session was “Educating Students and the Public About Ethical Issues in Animal Research and Animal Welfare.” Speth presented a talk to the 160-member group entitled “Educating Students and the Public About Animal Rights.”
cp124
