The Order of Veterinary Doctors recently clarified that it had not received any cases of Therians in Portugal, despite the issue having gained visibility on social media and in some media outlets.
The warning comes in the wake of news and reports that mention young people who identify with animals and who, in some cases, would have sought care in veterinary clinics. The Order emphasizes, however, that there is no record of concrete situations between registered professionals.
Even so, internal guidance was issued to veterinarians on how to act if requests of this type arise. The entity reinforces that veterinarians can only provide care to animals and not to people, regardless of how they identify.
According to the Order, if someone in these circumstances seeks consultation, the professional must refuse to provide medical procedures and explain clearly and adequately that this type of care does not fit into their clinical practice.
Portuguese legislation recognizes the right to personal identity, but does not include any legal framework for an “animal identity”, remembering that, from a legal point of view, it remains a human person.
The phenomenon of Therians has been driven mainly by social networks, with videos and content that show behaviors associated with this self-identification, although experts warn that this does not always correspond to a clinical problem.
Therians are making appointments with veterinarians, that is, people with severe psychological disorders.
We have reached the ridiculous point of the Order of Veterinary Doctors having to make a clarification!!!— Malaghetto (@Malaghetto74)
