Policies

Climate change and animal health, welfare and production

Policy The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) acknowledges the scientific evidence that human activity is the primary cause for the acceleration of climate change.1 The AVA recognises the view of the […]

Drought and drought management

CURRENTLY UNDER REVIEW Policy Drought must be recognised as a substantial risk factor in Australian animal production systems. Enterprise risk management strategies must be based on contemporary animal health and […]

Biosecurity and quarantine

Policy Australia should have strong biosecurity and quarantine policies and effective strategies to protect animal health and welfare, public health and the environment.  The welfare of individual animals undergoing quarantine […]

Native Animal Welfare

Policy Where clearing of wildlife habitat is proposed: Operators should adhere to the principles of ecologically sustainable development; Every effort should be made to minimise the animal welfare impacts on […]

Collection, euthanasia and disposal of the cane toad, Rhinella marina

Position statement This statement outlines circumstances in which it is appropriate to humanely kill cane toads, Rhinella marina (previously Bufo marinus), and acceptable methods that should be used. The eradication […]

Euthanasia

Policy The attending veterinarian must recommend euthanasia for an animal if the animal is suffering and that suffering is not able to be adequately minimised or managed. Euthanasia is the […]

Euthanasia of injured wildlife

Policy Euthanasia is often the most humane course of action to address the welfare of sick and injured wildlife. Triage of injured or diseased wild animals, and their subsequent euthanasia, […]

Humane slaughter of animals

Policy Animals must be slaughtered in a humane manner which minimises or prevents pain, suffering, and distress before death. Regardless of religious or cultural beliefs, animals must be stunned and […]

Marine mammal euthanasia

Policy Veterinarians attending a whale stranding or other emergency affecting free-living marine mammals (such as injury to animals or oil spills) have a duty of care to take all reasonable […]

Use of euthanasia drugs by non-veterinarians

Policy Pentobarbitone or similar drugs registered for the euthanasia of animals should only be administered by a registered veterinarian. Veterinarians should not supply euthanasia drugs. Background Legislation in some jurisdictions […]