Caring for sick or injured wildlife – Queensland legislated requirements

There are many regulations, codes of practice and guidelines that practicing veterinarians are required to be familiar with on a daily basis. These can often be challenging to be aware of, or complex to interpret.

Part of the AVA Advocacy team’s work is to highlight and inform our members on these types of matters. We will also advocate for changes where it is deemed appropriate that outcomes will support our profession.

The following information is provided as awareness and education around the care of protected animals (wildlife) by veterinarians in Queensland.

Further information can be found at Code of Practice—Care of sick, injured or orphaned protected animals in Queensland | Environment, land and water | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au). From this Code of Practice, a veterinary practitioner should be aware:

That any person (including Veterinarians) must take a sick or injured protected animal to a licensed rehabilitator within 72hrs, where a licensed carer is accessible i.e. that a veterinary clinic (that does not employ a carer holding the required permit) is not permitted to continue the care of a protected animal presented to them.

2.6 A person who rescues a protected animal, but is not a licensed rehabilitator, must surrender it to a licensed rehabilitator or conservation officer within 72 hours of taking the animal into care as stated in section 56 (2) of the Nature Conservation (Animals) Regulation 2020

2.7 A person or organisation engaging in wildlife rehabilitation must be licensed. It is the responsibility of the permit holder to ensure compliance with the provisions of this code.

7.3.3 The most appropriate facility in the circumstances should be used for the provision of veterinary care to seriously sick or injured protected animals. For example: when specialised wildlife veterinary facilities are readily available and accessible. These should be used in preference to a private veterinary surgeon.

What is a “protected animal”:

2.1 All native birds, mammals (except the dingo outside protected areas), reptiles and amphibians and, some native fish and some invertebrates in Queensland are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.