As pet owners increasingly rely on artificial intelligence (AI) to diagnose symptoms and seek advice, animal welfare experts are warning of potential complacency and even lawbreaking.
Users of AI chatbots may be unknowingly putting their pets at risk by relying solely on digital advice, rather than seeking professional veterinary care. This can lead to delayed treatment and exacerbated suffering, particularly for animals that are adept at hiding their pain.
TV vet Rory Cowlam notes that while AI can be useful in supporting investigations or lab work, it is not a substitute for a thorough examination by a veterinarian. "Animals are hardwired to hide their pain, and AI on our smartphone screens can't feel a bloated stomach, test failing kidneys, or spot the subtle signs of suffering."
The RSPCA is also sounding the alarm, warning that AI chatbots are not equipped to physically examine animals or understand the fast-moving changes that occur when a pet is in pain. "We're worried that, with so many pet owners now using large language models to check the symptoms of poorly pets, or query behavioral challenges, this could be an inadvertent ticking time bomb for animal welfare."
Furthermore, there is a growing concern that AI-generated content, including animal cruelty material, is being shared online. In the past year, 27% of people reported seeing animal abuse material, with 13% suspecting it was AI-generated.
