Policies

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 […]

Heat stress in the horse

Policy All associations involved in horse competitions must have a policy/procedure for reducing the risk of heat stress in horses. This policy should include protocols for cooling horses after exercise, […]

Management of horned cattle species

Policy Breeding of polled cattle is preferable to dehorning, however further research into methods to determine the carrier status for the horned phenotype is needed in some breeds.3 Where routine […]

Off-cow rearing of calves

Position Statement Off cow rearing of calves (aged less than 6 months) and their sale and transport are acceptable procedures, provided the welfare of the calves is safeguarded and the […]

Use of behaviour-modifying collars on dogs

Purpose This policy can be used to help veterinarians understand the appropriate steps when presented with a dog whose owner is considering the use of such collars. Policy Collars designed […]

The use of punishment and negative reinforcement in dog training

Policy Punishment and negative reinforcement should not be used in attempts to change the behaviour of dogs. Training of dogs is best achieved through positive reinforcement. Animal behaviour education and […]

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 […]