Policies

Keeping livestock in urban and peri-urban areas

Policy Keeping livestock in urban and peri-urban areas may present special risks to animals, humans, the environment and livestock industries, and thus: Land, resources and facilities must be adequate to […]

Anaesthesia-free dentistry in dogs and cats

Policy Performing anaesthesia-free dentistry on dogs and cats is not appropriate. Comprehensive examination, diagnosis and treatment cannot properly proceed whilst an animal is conscious. The welfare of animals treated in […]

Tail docking and castration of lambs and sheep

Policy Tail docking and castration of lambs under three (3) months of age by non-veterinarians are acceptable provided that: the procedures are performed by a skilled and preferably accredited operator; […]

Hunting

Policy Terrestrial animals including birds should not be hunted purely for sport or recreation. Where animals are killed for food, or as part of a government mandated feral animal control […]

Puppy farming

Policy The AVA is opposed to puppy farming. Where companion animals such as dogs and cats are bred, the conditions must meet the physical, behavioural and social needs of the […]

Castration of adult rams

Policy The castration of adult rams must be treated as a major surgical procedure and be performed only by a veterinarian. Appropriate perioperative care including analgesia must be provided. Background […]

Online advertising of dogs and cats

Policy Websites or online trading platforms that advertise dogs and cats for sale must have in place and follow standards that support animal welfare and protect potential buyers. Veterinarians should […]

Organic livestock farming

Policy The health and welfare of individual animals must always override maintenance of organic status, and animals must receive appropriate veterinary treatment where indicated. Veterinarians should be involved in the […]

Electronic identification of animals

Policy Radiofrequency identification (RFID) is the preferred method of permanently identifying individual animals. Devices and systems used for electronic identification of animals must conform to relevant Australian Standards for implantation […]

Companion animals in aged-care accommodation

Policy The integration of companion animals into retirement and aged-care facilities has many potential benefits. The aged care industry are encouraged to take responsibility for implementing such initiatives. Veterinarians should […]