What Does Not Have to be Acknowledged?

While referencing is essential for acknowledging other people’s work, there are some cases where a reference is not required.

✅ 1. Your Own Personal Opinions and Ideas

• If you express your own thoughts, conclusions, or analysis, you do not need to reference them.
• However, if someone else uses your opinion in their work, they must credit you.
• Example (No Reference Needed):
  • “I believe that positive reinforcement is the most effective dog training method because it strengthens the human-animal bond.”

✅ 2. Common Knowledge

Common knowledge is information that:

• ✔ Can be found in multiple sources (e.g., dictionaries, encyclopedias).
• ✔ Is widely accepted as fact.
• ✔ Cannot be traced back to a single author.

• General facts: 
  • “The Second World War lasted from 1939 to 1945.”
• Historical events: 
  • “Julia Gillard was Australia’s first female Prime Minister.”
• Well-known scientific names in animal care:
  • “The scientific name for dogs is Canis lupus familiaris.”
  • “Cats are obligate carnivores.
• Widely accepted veterinary knowledge:
  • “Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes.”
  • “Horses are herbivores and have a hindgut fermentation system.”

While some facts are considered common knowledge in general education, specialised knowledge in veterinary nursing, animal care, and science often still requires referencing.

✅ If in doubt, provide a source – referencing strengthens your credibility and avoids any risk of plagiarism.