“No veterinary doctor registered with the Order received any case”, but the Veterinary Association decided to anticipate and clarify that there are well-defined legal limits for veterinary practice.
The Order of Veterinary Doctors came forward this week with internal guidelines to respond to a situation that despite everything, so far, has not occurred among registered professionals. This is a possible (and, apparently, expected) departure of a person Therian to a veterinary office to demand care equal to that received by an animal.
The clarification comes after the phenomenon gained greater public visibility in recent months, especially after reports and videos published in several countries, in which young people appear dressed as animals or adopting behaviors associated with certain species.
ZAP has also spoken about the phenomenon of — that is, people who say they identify, on a deep and personal level, with non-human animals.
Recently, the news reported alleged cases of young people who “demand to be seen by veterinarians”.
The Order of Veterinary Doctors, however, guarantees that none of its members reported an incident of this type. But in the same clarification to , he sought to explain the legal contours of the situation.
Therians are people who identify spiritually or psychologically with an animal. According to the description used by the Order, this identification can translate into a deep connection with a specific species and the adoption of behaviors such as walking on all fours, meowing, barking or using masks and tails.
Despite this form of identity expression, OMV remembers that the Portuguese law does not provide for any legal status of “animal identity”. In other words, a person who identifies as an animal continues to be, at least from a legal point of view, a human person. National legislation recognizes certain dimensions of personal identity, such as gender identity and expression, but does not contemplate an animal identity with legal effects.
When faced with a possible request for consultation, veterinarians must therefore refuse the practice of diagnostic, prescription or treatment acts, says the OMV. These acts, when directed at people, belong to human medicine and are reserved for doctors registered with the Medical Association. The OMV recommendation is that the explanation be given correctly and respectfully, making it clear that the veterinarian is only qualified to provide health care to animals.
The phenomenon had already provoked controversy in Portugal when a meeting of Therians was planned in Vila Real, in February, which ended up not being held due to criticism and hostility, including directed by Chega’s leader, André Ventura.
From a clinical point of view, psychology experts have highlighted that a symbolic identification with an animal does not necessarily represent a psychological disorder. The situation only becomes relevant if it causes suffering, extreme isolation or difficulty in dealing with everyday life. The essential thing, these experts argue, is to understand whether there is a balance between the person’s internal experience and practical reality.
