Policies

Breed-specific legislation

Policy Legislation to prevent dog bites and to manage aggressive dogs should focus on the individual dog and the owner not the breed. Breed-specific legislation for dog bite prevention has […]

Myxomatosis vaccination of pet rabbits

Position Statement Steps should be taken to introduce a safe and effective myxomatosis vaccination program to protect the health of pet rabbits while not impacting unfavourably upon the control of […]

The sale of ferret kits

Policy Ferret kits should be vaccinated and not offered for sale younger than ten weeks of age. Ferrets are active and intelligent animals; there is a need for family/social groups […]

Sow housing

Policy Sow housing should optimise the health, nutrition and welfare of sows, newly born piglets and unborn piglets. Feeding systems for pregnant sows housed in groups must minimise aggression and […]

Sale of unweaned altricial birds

Policy Unweaned altricial birds should not be sold. Background An altricial bird is one that is hatched with eyes closed with little or no down, is nest bound and fed […]

Sale of companion animals at markets

Policy Companion animals should not be sold at markets. Background The sale of companion animals in markets encourages impulse buying and may compromise the animals’ welfare. The transient nature of […]

Animal shelters and municipal pounds

Policy Animals kept in pounds and shelters must be housed under appropriate conditions that ensure their health and welfare, meeting the animals’ physiological, behavioural and social needs. All animals must […]

In-house diagnostic pathology and pathology referrals

Policy Veterinarians offering ‘in-house’ diagnostic pathology services should ensure that equipment and services are subject to regular quality control and quality assurance testing. Staff should be thoroughly trained in the […]