Policies

Welfare of animals in zoos, aquaria, sanctuaries, and animal parks

Purpose The purpose of this policy is to provide member guidance and information to the public on the importance of animal welfare in zoos, aquaria, sanctuaries, and animal parks. Policy […]

Genetic defects in domestic animals

Policy Animals with known genetic defects that have the potential to adversely affect their welfare or that of their progeny must not be used for breeding, other than in exceptional […]

Use of medicinal cannabis in animals

Purpose This position statement is intended to guide veterinarians in their decisions about potential use of CBD in animals. Position statement The AVA supports use of evidence-based principles when choosing […]

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 […]

Brachycephalic dog breeding

Policy The paramount consideration in any continued breeding of brachycephalic dogs must be the welfare of the individual dogs and future generations. Individual dogs must be given the best chance […]

Animal welfare and human wellbeing – vulnerability of clients and veterinary staff

The following policies should be considered as a group; together they provide a set of principles which underpin the AVA’s wellness strategy:  Great veterinary workplaces (2023); Safeguarding and improving the mental health […]

Waterfowl hunting

Policy The hunting of waterfowl using shotguns is opposed, as it often causes unnecessary pain and suffering to the birds. Background Recreational hunting For most of the year, native water […]

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 […]

Australian National Centres for Disease Control (Australian CDC)

Policy The AVA calls for the establishment of an Australian Centres for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) or equivalent, based on a One Health approach. The One Health framework requires […]

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 […]