AVA Submission on the Draft Small Mammal codes of practice in the ACT

The AVA thanks the ACT Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (AWAC) for the opportunity to provide comment on four newly proposed Small Mammal Codes of Practice including:

• the Keeping and Breeding of Ferrets in the ACT;
• the Keeping and Breeding of Guinea Pigs in the ACT;
• the Keeping and Breeding of Rabbits in the ACT; and
• the Keeping and Breeding of Rats and Mice (Rodents) in the ACT.

We note the committee aims that the newly proposed codes address an identified gap in the current legislation and supporting instruments and that the outcomes of consultation with stakeholders will help inform the Committee’s review of the Small Mammal Codes of Practice.

The AVA has consulted with the ACT Division Committee and the Unusual Pet and Avian Veterinarians (UPAV) Executive Committee to seek expert member input to inform this submission on the proposed new Small Mammal Code of Practice (CoP). Members of the AVA ACT Division Committee and the UPAV Executive Committee who have extensive expertise and experience in this area have been the contributors to this feedback.

Read the full submission here.