Recent statistics show that more vets commit suicide than any other profession.

Today's revelation that vets in East Lancashire are working round the clock to provide care for our animals is a telling insight into one of the reasons why.

The fact that human life is not directly involved in what these dedicated professionals do should not detract from the stress-related dangers they face.

The profession has long been the poor relation of the medical world.

But, as one Blackburn vet reveals today, their dedication means they often work through the night to treat sick and dying animals without any time off or extra rewards.

They can not afford to pay someone else to do the work.

The 24-hour care service operated in the town could be about to end as a result of the increased demands it places on staff.

The vet reveals how he has to explain to his children that he can't take them out at weekends because he is on call.

As a nation of animal lovers, we know how much the loss of a pet can cause distress, especially tot he young and the elderly.

Perhaps it is time we gave more recognition to the work vets do.

If we don't, they may become the human casualties of the animal welfare world.