Valerie Jonckheer-Sheehy
MVB MRCVS MSc LAS
Valerie Jonckheer-Sheehy is an Irish veterinarian and graduated from the Veterinary School of Ireland in 2003. Valerie's first job as a vet was in mixed practice in Wales where she treated farm animals, companion animals and horses. As a result of this she gained valuable experience across the species.
Valerie worked for several animal welfare organisations in Brussels, Belgium including the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE). In 2006 Valerie completed a Masters in Laboratory Animal Science (awarded by Gent University in Belgium); her thesis focused on equine behaviour and welfare with a detailed analysis of how they should be housed to ensure their welfare.
Valerie then spent several years in India where she worked at the local horse racing track (flat racers) and in a companion animal practice. Her main aim was to improve the welfare of the animals under her care. She was also invited in an honorary capacity as an advisor on animal behaviour and welfare in several different organisations.
Valerie has been employed at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University in the Netherlands since May 2009 as the coordinator of the Faculty's veterinary behaviour clinic and she also works as one of the veterinarians in the clinic. Next to her clinical duties Valerie is involved in teaching and research related to animal behaviour and welfare. Valerie is currently finishing off a Certificate in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law from the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons in the United Kingdom.
ABSTRACT
Behaviour problems in pets are still one of the most common causes of death and abandonment of companion dogs in industrialised countries with pets under the age of one apparently most at risk. It is well known that behaviour problems can disrupt the pet-owner relationship sometimes to such an extent that both animal and human welfare is compromised. A study in the Netherlands revealed the need by pet owners and first opinion veterinary surgeons for a specialist veterinary behaviour clinic.
A behaviour problem is a behaviour which is depending upon the context within which it occurs considered by humans not to be appropriate, acceptable or normal. Commonly seen behaviour problems in animals involve those behaviours which are (potentially) dangerous or are disruptive. The behaviour may be socially unacceptable and undesirable but may, in fact, be a normal behaviour. Normal behaviours when carried out to excess, at inappropriate times or in an inappropriate context may be considered abnormal.
Behaviour problems are often multi-factorial and may be caused by one or more of the following: the genotype of the animal, a disturbance in the human-animal relationship, the physical environment of the animal, previous experience and/or a medical problem. Whereas true behaviour problems are generally not seen in wild animals in the wild, wild animals kept in captivity may develop behaviour problems.
Behaviour problems in animals, whether it's a mouse or an elephant, domesticated or not, are often indicative of an animal welfare problem and for that reason they must be prevented and treated if necessary. Prevention can be achieved through educating veterinarians and other animal professionals, animal owners, legislators and the public.
