Policies

Feeding of live mammals to snakes

Policy The feeding of live mammals to snakes is strongly opposed. Background Although the feeding of live mammalian prey to snakes occurs in herpetoculture, the AVA considers that the welfare […]

Greyhound hurdle racing

Policy The Australian Veterinary Association does not support hurdle racing by greyhounds. Background Greyhound hurdle racing results in a higher frequency and a more serious magnitude of injury than flat […]

Guidelines for the tethering of animals

Position statement Tethering is a temporary method of restraint and is not suitable for long-term confinement. Tethering of animals requires a high standard of animal husbandry and exceptional care, including […]

The diagnosis and treatment of animals by non-veterinarians

Policy The welfare of animals and the control of disease, as well as public health and biosecurity, may be compromised where non-veterinarians independently diagnose and treat animals.  In most Australian […]

Euthanasia

Policy The attending veterinarian must recommend euthanasia for an animal if the animal is suffering and that suffering is not able to be adequately minimised or managed. Euthanasia is the […]

Foetal bovine serum collection

Policy Foetal bovine serum is of great value for diagnostic and research purposes. The collection of foetal blood at licensed abattoirs is supported, provided that the welfare of the foetus […]

Sheep dentistry, including tooth trimming

Policy Tooth trimming, tooth clipping or tooth grinding in sheep is opposed as these procedures have been shown scientifically to have no benefit to the welfare or productivity of the […]

Code of practice for the use of prescription animal remedies (Schedule 4 substances) in the poultry industry

Policy Veterinarians must be familiar with federal and state legislation, as it applies to their obligations as a registered veterinarian in the state(s) in which they practise, relating to the […]

Welfare of vealer calves

Policy Vealer calves must be raised under conditions that maintain the welfare of the animals. This includes appropriate nutrition, housing, disease prevention, veterinary care and measures to reduce stress. Background […]