Policies

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 […]

Artificial breeding of horses and related species

Policy Artificial breeding techniques are viable options for propagation of horses and related species. Background Artificial insemination using fresh, chilled or frozen semen and embryo transfer have been used in […]

Castration of horses and donkeys

Policy Castration of horses and donkeys (including foals) is a significant surgical procedure, requiring appropriate technique, anaesthesia, analgesia and aftercare, including post surgical exercise. It should only be performed by […]

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 […]

Racing two year old thoroughbreds

Policy Two-year-old horses that are obviously immature in age and development, or have significant faults in conformation, should not be raced. Background Two-year-old racing is an integral part of the […]

Thermocautery (firing) of horses and racing greyhounds

Policy Thermocautery (firing) must never be used as a treatment in any animal as there is no scientific evidence for its efficacy and it causes unnecessary pain.  All regulatory authorities […]

Transport of horses

Policy The Animal Welfare Standards and Guidelines for Land Transport approved by the Primary Industries Ministerial Council (PIMC) should be uniformly adopted and effectively enforced Australia-wide. Background Horses are transported […]

Use of horses for entertainment

Policy Horses can participate in public entertainment provided their needs for shelter, exercise, transport, rest and basic husbandry are met, and their welfare is a priority during training and performance. […]

Use of whips on horses at competitive events

Policy Whip use must not be used to influence the result of a competitive event. Background There has been ongoing debate around the use of whips on horses at competitive […]