Policies

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 […]

Surgical mulesing

Position statement Blowfly strike is a serious animal welfare concern. Alternative methods of fly strike management and blowfly control that do not involve surgical removal of skin from the breech […]

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; […]

Disbudding of goat kids

Policy Disbudding of goats is a painful procedure that should be performed in kids under 2 weeks of age by an appropriately skilled veterinarian using heavy sedation/anaesthesia and analgesia. Thermal […]

Infection prevention and control in veterinary workplaces

Purpose To inform members of the veterinary profession about the key principles of infection prevention and control in veterinary workplaces, and point to useful further resources. Policy It is essential […]

Cosmetic surgery to alter the natural appearance of animals

Policy Surgical procedures performed on animals for purely cosmetic reasons, such as tail docking and ear cropping, are unacceptable under any circumstances. Background Tail docking and ear cropping of dogs […]

Use of electroimmobilisation on animals

Purpose To provide guidance to veterinarians and other users on the use of electroimmobilisation on animals in Australia. To advocate for the regulation of sale and access to electroimmobilisation devices […]

Embryo collection and embryo transfer

Policy Embryo collection and embryo transfer in animals should only be conducted by registered, appropriately trained, veterinarians or persons under the direct and immediate supervision of a registered veterinarian. Background […]

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 […]

Feeding rabbits and guinea pigs

Policy Rabbits and guinea pigs must be fed a predominantly grass hay and/or grass diet, to ensure proper wear of their dentition, to promote proper gut function and to ensure […]