Policies

Nutrition of dogs and cats

Policy The nutritional status of cats and dogs is a very important indicator of their health and welfare, and should be assessed by veterinarians as part of a holistic approach […]

Control of native and introduced animals causing damage to agriculture or habitat

Policy Control programs to protect the environment, social amenity and agriculture from invasive animals must be carried out humanely. They must use best practice methods based on scientific research, and […]

Aggression in dogs

Position statement Aggression is a part of the normal behavioural repertoire of all dogs. People decide whether the intensity and frequency of the aggression and the situations in which it […]

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Note: The following policies should be considered as a group; together they provide a set of principles which underpin the AVA’s wellness strategy:  Great veterinary workplaces (2023); Safeguarding and improving the mental health […]

Pizzle dropping

Policy Pizzle dropping must not be performed on sheep. Background Pizzle dropping is a surgical procedure performed on wether lambs and weaners (under 12 months of age). The skin between […]

AVA Statement of principles – animal welfare and ethics

Many AVA policies have animal welfare as their basis. Animal welfare science includes empirical and behavioural assessments, but at the same time it is widely accepted that assessments of animal welfare […]

Greyhound muzzling

Technical update: April 2023 Policy The AVA opposes compulsory pet Greyhound muzzling. It is contrary to the AVA’s policy on breed-specific legislation, which states that “legislation to prevent dog bites […]

Use of analgesia for routine husbandry procedures

Policy Appropriate and effective analgesia during potentially painful livestock husbandry procedures must be used and promoted. Protocols should be available for operators to appropriately and safely use analgesics during painful […]

AVA Clinical internship guidelines

General Veterinary clinical internship programs are usually completed over a 12 month period; the maximum time to complete an internship is 24 months. It is optimal but not essential that […]

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 […]