TWO thirds of North-East vets have been injured at work in the last year, prompting calls for a better way of working with owners.

The research carried out by The British Veterinary Association (BVA) revealed that 64 per cent of small animal vets and 62 per cent of all vets surveyed in the region have suffered injuries at the hands of their furry patients.

The survey found that the most common injuries were scratches and bites and 38 per cent of all vets in the North-East rated the injuries they had suffered in the last year as being very or quite severe.

BVA President John Blackwell emphasised the importance of owners and vets working together to ensure the best care of a pet while keeping everyone safe.

He said: “Vets accept the daily risk of injury at work, but these figures highlight just how common injuries are for vets who care for pets.

“Rather than simply accepting this as an ‘occupational hazard’, veterinary teams should ensure they are taking all appropriate measures to mitigate the risks of working with animals whenever possible.”

He added: “We also ask pet owners to work with us.

“The surgery can be a strange and unsettling place for animals and even the most usually placid pet can become nervous.

“If a vet is taking precautions, such as muzzling, it is to protect everyone and to ensure the animal in their care receives the very best treatment possible in a safe environment.

“We would also urge owners to inform the vet if their animal has shown anxious behaviour on previous visits to the surgery.”