Retrospective study of the disciplinary sanctions applied to veterinarians by the CFMV/CRMVs system from 2012 to 2017

Abstract

Veterinarians play a fundamental role in society, as they are responsible not only for animal health but also for safeguarding public health and food safety. In recent years, however, an increase in ethical violations and scandals involving professionals has been widely reported in the media. The objective of this study is to analyze the perception of veterinarians from different regional councils in Brazil regarding the adoption of ethical conduct, focusing on professional practice between 2012 and 2017, in accordance with the Code of Ethics established by CFMV Resolution No. 722/2002. Data were collected from the National Press website, based on publications in the Federal Official Gazette related to sanctioned veterinarians during the period. A total of 50 professionals were identified. Public Censure was the most frequent penalty, applied to 40 individuals (80%). Suspension was the second most common sanction, consisting of four suspensions of 90 days, one of 60 days, two of 30 days, and one of 15 days. Two license revocations were also recorded, the only ones since the regulation of the profession. The infractions were mainly related to chapters addressing professional responsibility and conduct, indicating that most sanctions resulted from individual ethical misconduct. These findings highlight the importance of strict adherence to the Code of Ethics, which defines the professional commitment to serve society with loyalty, diligence, and respect.