Policies

Great veterinary workplaces

Note: 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 […]

Unpaid veterinary services performed for public good

Policy Private veterinary practitioners within Australia make a significant contribution to areas of public good from which society derives benefits, often on an unpaid basis.  Veterinary services performed for public […]

Branding of horses

Policy Horses must be permanently identified. The preferred method is radiofrequency identification (microchip) for management, registration, traceability and identification purposes. Where branding is considered necessary in addition to electronic identification, […]

Electronic identification of animals

Policy Radiofrequency identification (RFID) is the preferred method of permanently identifying individual animals. Devices and systems used for electronic identification of animals must conform to relevant Australian Standards for implantation […]

Identification of cattle

UNDER REVIEW Policy A national system enabling individual identification and traceability of cattle is strongly supported as it is a critical tool for effective farm management, food safety, disease control […]

Genetically modified organisms

Position Statement The development and use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or the use of related technologies such as gene therapy, represent a valid extension of traditional methods of genetically […]

Use of animals for teaching in veterinary schools

Policy The use of animals in the teaching of veterinary science is essential for development of skilled veterinary graduates. Background Graduates in veterinary science need to be skilled in their […]

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 […]

Greyhound muzzling

Technical update: April 2023 Policy The AVA opposes compulsory pet Greyhound muzzling. It is contrary to the AVA’s policy on breed-specific legislation, which states that “legislation to prevent dog bites […]