Happy Pet Veterinary Clinic Case Study

Ethical Scenario 5: I am a co-owner of Happy Pets Veterinary Clinic and have recently caught my friend and business partner stealing drugs from the company.

The above situation presents an ethical dilemma. Do I turn in my friend to the authorities and risk losing the friendship and an important member of the business team, or do I find another way to deal with the issue? There are several factors at play here: the safety of the patients, the integrity of the business, the health and wellbeing of a good friend, and many others. As the co-owner of the business and friend of Alex, it is my responsibility to make the best decision for the health of the business and for my friend. Given the variables in the situation, I would not decide to turn in Alex to the authorities. However, this does not mean I would be completely inactive. I would tell Alex that I know what is going on and that he needs to take a leave of absence in order to go to rehab for his drug problem.

First, there is no way I could simply allow Alex to keep working knowing that he was on drugs. It is clear that his work is slipping if he seems sluggish, and it is obvious that he is confused and even hallucinating at work. This sort of behavior is not acceptable in a work environment. It would put too many patients at risk. William T. Branch, a medical doctor, says on the issue, “In today’s environment, it bears re-emphasis that providing the best possible care for patients is a moral mandate encompassing not just resolving ethical dilemmas, but the whole of a physician’s work” (Branch). Though this article refers to people, its ethics extend to animals as well. As an owner of the business, I am ethically responsible for ensuring that my patients receive the best possible care. Patient care must be the first