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Animal Welfare
Veterinarians have a special duty to protect animal welfare and alleviate animal suffering.
Understanding the Guiding Principle
- Veterinarians are expected to use their training and knowledge for the benefit of society. Animal welfare
is more than protecting animals from cruelty. It also relates to promoting their health and wellbeing. Because
of their training veterinarians have expert knowledge on how to assess animal health and welfare, and how to
optimise the care and management of animals. It follows that veterinarians have an over-riding professional
duty to protect animals from unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress.
- Veterinarians must be familiar with and comply with the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and the relevant Codes of Welfare. In the course of their
work, veterinarians must consider and take all reasonable steps to protect the needs of animals in relation to the five basic requirements of:
- Proper and sufficient food and water;
- Adequate shelter;
- The opportunity to display normal patterns of behaviour;
- Appropriate physical handling; and
- Protection from, and rapid diagnosis of, injury and disease.
This obligation is qualified however, as the needs in each individual case are assessed according to what is appropriate to the species,
environment and circumstances of the affected animal(s).
Understanding Section 1
- The Animal Welfare Act 1999 establishes the legal framework of obligations and responsibilities applying to
people who are in charge of animals. These requirements equally apply to veterinarians when they assume responsibility
for the care of animals whether in a professional or personal capacity.
- The Animal Welfare Act 1999 also places specific responsibilities on veterinarians. Veterinarians are expected to
have a working knowledge and understanding of how to apply those expectations in the course of their work.
Relevant provisions of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 include:
- The destruction of sick and injured animals.
- Responsibilities associated with restricted, controlled and significant surgical procedures.
- Roles of veterinarians on Animal Ethics Committees
- Codes of Welfare developed by the National Animal Welfare Advisory Council (NAWAC) specify minimum standards
and recommendations for best practice. Veterinarians are expected to be familiar with and comply with the published
standards relevant to their area of practice.
- The five animal welfare freedoms were developed in 1965 by the Farm Animal Welfare Council in the United Kingdom
and are now recognised internationally as identifying the critical needs of all animals (and what might be
interpreted as the legal minimum requirements). They provide a framework for assessing the welfare of animals in
varying situations.
- Section 4 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 identifies those critical requirements as the basis for defining the
physical health and behavioural needs of animals. The Animal Welfare Act 1999 then uses that definition in section 10
to establish the obligation of owners and persons in charge of animals to meet those needs in accordance with
good practice and scientific knowledge.
- When reviewing the physical, health and behavioural needs of an animal, each of the five basic requirements should
be considered taking into account what is appropriate for the species, environment and circumstances of the particular
animal. It may not be appropriate to consider that the same solutions and standards necessarily apply to all species
in all situations.
- In the course of their work veterinarians must not ignore circumstances where they have reasonable grounds to suspect non compliance with the
requirements of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and Codes of Welfare. Veterinarians must be satisfied that their co-workers and their clients
are informed of and comply with the relevant provisions of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and Codes of Welfare that relate to work they
are undertaking.
Understanding Section 2
- Arguably, because of their training and knowledge, and the expectations placed on them by society as the ‘animal
health professionals’, veterinarians are assumed to have expert knowledge of the principles of animal welfare. As
such veterinarians are expected to be advocates for animal welfare.
- It follows that veterinarians have a responsibility to educate themselves, their co-workers (staff and veterinary colleagues)
and their clients about the relevant welfare standards that apply in their field of veterinary practice.
They must be satisfied that co-workers and clients are informed of the existence of the relevant provisions of the
Animal Welfare Act 1999 and Codes of Welfare as they pertain to their own particular circumstances, and that they are
aware of the applicable standards.
- As well as informing their co-workers and clients of these provisions, veterinarians have a responsibility to
ensure compliance with animal welfare standards. While it is not the role of veterinarians to actively audit
clients in relation to animal welfare, they must not ignore situations where they have reasonable cause to suspect
that animal welfare standards have been breached.
- The Animal Welfare Act 1999 casts a broad net of potential liability in relation to offences. Veterinarians should be
aware that a variety of situations may arise where liability may extend to them even though they are not the owner of the
animal(s). Some examples are set out below:
- Sections 164, 165 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 set out vicarious liability provisions that relate to principals
of organisations, employers and others who do not act to prevent breaches of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 by their
staff and in relation to animals under their care.
- Section 29(h) identifies potential liability offences for those who are associated with aiding and abetting of
offences under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. Knowing of and not taking all reasonable steps to remedy potential breaches
of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 might be interpreted as aiding and abetting.
- Various sections of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 set clear legal obligations and responsibilities on the ‘person in charge’
of animal(s). The ‘person in charge’ is defined very broadly and encompasses every person who is seen to have the animal under
their care, control or supervision. This definition extends to include the animal’s veterinarian in situations where the animal
is being treated or managed under the specific instructions of the veterinarian.
- Veterinarians must act
immediately to remedy situations where they have cause to suspect unreasonable or unnecessary pain
or distress in an animal(s), or possible breaches of animal welfare legislation.
Understanding Section 3
- As well as any legal responsibility, veterinarians also have a professional obligation to take immediate action to remedy
situations where they have reasonable cause to suspect violations of the Animal Welfare Act 1999. They are expected to exercise
sound professional judgement when deciding how to act in these circumstances. In order to determine the best course of action,
veterinarians need to gather as much relevant information regarding the circumstances, as they require to exercise their
discretion and should carefully document their involvement showing clearly that they have taken all necessary steps to manage
their legal and professional responsibilities.
- In situations where veterinarians have reasonable cause to suspect violations of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and where the
person in charge of the animal(s) is a client and can be communicated with, the veterinarian should, where possible, discuss
the situation with that person and develop an action plan to relieve the situation.
- Where, for whatever reason, the veterinarian decides they cannot discuss their concerns with the client the matter must be
reported to an inspector appointed under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 (SPCA inspector, MAF animal welfare inspector, Police
or the MAF Animal Welfare Hotline 0800 008 333).
- Where an action plan has been developed to remedy a situation, the plan should identify criteria to measure improvement, with
benchmarks which must be achieved within agreed timeframes. A system of monitoring agreed outcomes must be put in place. Depending
on the circumstances an appropriate plan of action might include: improved nutrition in poor condition animals, specific treatment
or possibly euthanasia.
- Where improvements are seen the monitoring should be ongoing until the veterinarian is convinced a satisfactory outcome has been
reached. If follow-up monitoring shows no improvement, or the plan hasn’t been followed, or the situation is worse, the matter must
be reported to an inspector appointed under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 (SPCA inspector, MAF animal welfare inspector, Police or
the MAF Animal Welfare Hotline 0800 008 333).
- Veterinarians should communicate their concerns to their manager or a senior veterinarian in the practice at
the start of the process and at each step throughout.
- Detailed records of each step of the process should be maintained by the veterinarian. A documented plan is crucial in the event
that the care of the animal or the role of the veterinarian is called into question in the future. Photographs are a useful additional
tool to record progress.
- Where a new client presents an animal which has clearly been suffering unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress for some time,
the veterinarian must ascertain from the client whether or not the animal has previously been attended by a veterinarian, and if
possible confer with that veterinarian. The owner’s compliance with any previous veterinary treatment and recommendations should be
taken into account in determining whether paragraphs (d) or (e) above are applicable. The requirements described in paragraph 5 of
the Professional Relationships section of this Code in relation to supersession are relevant in this context.
- At times veterinarians may have reasonable cause to suspect breaches of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 outside the course of their
work, e.g. when they are on holiday. In these situations, veterinarians are expected to use their judgement to determine whether
they intervene directly or report the matter. Circumstances may make it unreasonable or inappropriate for the veterinarian to
communicate directly with the person in charge of the animal(s). In such situations the matter must be reported by the
veterinarian to an inspector appointed under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 (SPCA inspector, MAF animal welfare inspector, Police or
the MAF Animal Welfare Hotline 0800 008 333).
- The Flow Diagram of Actions following observation
of Animal Welfare Case provides a suggested protocol to consider when presented with a welfare case.
- Situations which must be reported to an inspector appointed under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 (SPCA inspector, MAF animal welfare
inspector, Police, or the Animal Welfare Hotline 0800 008 333) include:
- Where animal welfare is reasonably considered to be at risk (ie a suspected offence under the Animal Welfare Act 1999) and
a veterinarian suspects that the person in charge of the animal is not acting reasonably to relieve the situation;
- Situations of severe neglect or cruelty to animals, whether the person in charge is a client or not.
- Privacy Principle 11(e)(i) of the Privacy Act 1993 allows the disclosure of personal information where it is reasonably believed
such disclosure is necessary to avoid prejudice to the maintenance of the law by any public sector agency, including the prevention,
detection, investigation, prosecution, and punishment of offences. The decision to disclose client information and details when
reporting suspected breaches of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 to the appropriate authorities can therefore be made when there are
valid and justifiable reasons for doing so. If veterinarians are unsure whether to report, they are encouraged to discuss this with
VCNZ, NZVA, MAF Animal Welfare or their lawyer.
- When reporting a client to the authorities the veterinarian needs to act in good faith, having regard to all relevant information
and preferably base their decision on personal knowledge and not unverified information. If unsure about their responsibility to report,
veterinarians are encouraged to ring VCNZ, NZVA, MAF Animal Welfare or their own lawyer for advice.
- Only the specific information necessary for the maintenance of the law should be disclosed, and only to
inspectors appointed by the Minister under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. This includes but is not limited to police
officers and inspectors employed by MAF and the SPCA.
- Veterinarians in the course of their work must act lawfully at all times including the times when dealing with situations where they
have reasonable cause to suspect animal welfare violations. Veterinarians must exercise sound professional judgement when making
decisions relating to animals in these circumstances maintaining appropriate respect for an owner’s property rights in relation to
their animals. Veterinarians should avoid actions which could, for example, be interpreted as theft or even trespass. For example
in situations of:
- A person bringing another person’s dog to the clinic for treatment or euthanasia without the consent of the owner;
- Entering a property without the owner’s permission even though the veterinarian suspects breaches of animal welfare standards.
If veterinarians are unsure how to respond in particular circumstances they are encouraged to discuss this with VCNZ, NZVA, MAF Animal
Welfare or their lawyer.
- VCNZ accepts research linking the association between deliberate physical maltreatment of animals and violence against humans.
Veterinarians, when confronted with situations of animal abuse, should consider whether people within that home might be at risk.
As well as responding appropriately to the ill treatment of the animal (paragraphs a-o above), veterinarians should use their judgement
to determine whether the appropriate government authorities (Police, Child, Youth and Family) should be informed.
If veterinarians are unsure whether to report, they are encouraged to discuss this with VCNZ, NZVA, MAF Animal Welfare or their lawyer.
- When euthanasia is necessary it must be carried out humanely. In situations where an animal's owner is not known or cannot be contacted,
veterinarians must exercise their duty under section 138 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 to euthanise severely sick or injured animals
responsibly.
Understanding Section 4
- Veterinarians have a professional and legal duty to take steps to relieve unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress
in animals under their care. This includes the need to administer first aid and adequate pain relief (and even euthanasia)
whether or not payment can be made at the time of the treatment. They are expected to exercise sound professional judgement
when making decisions on treatment, recognising the need in some cases to balance what treatment might be necessary or
appropriate against commercial considerations and the wishes of the owner. The over-riding priority is to ensure that animal
welfare is not compromised. There is further discussion on this topic as it relates to providing emergency services to clients
who have economic restraints in the Veterinary Services explanatory notes section 7, l and m.
- Veterinarians are encouraged to develop and foster relationships with local SPCA branches. Such relationships
can include standard protocols for how the practice and the SPCA might share responsibility for the emergency
care of animals where the owner cannot be identified.
- Section 138 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 identifies the powers of veterinarians relating to the destruction of severely injured
or sick animals (excluding marine mammals).
This section deals both with situations when an owner of the animal is known and also when the owner cannot be found within a
reasonable time.
- Veterinarians are advised to read section 138 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 very carefully and must be familiar with these
legal requirements, their authority under this section and also the limitations on their authority.
- Veterinarians must act with extreme caution, exercising sound professional judgement when using these powers in order to avoid
possible legal liability associated with an inappropriate decision to destroy the animal.
- Section 138 requires that where a veterinarian (or Inspector or auxiliary officer appointed under the Animal Welfare Act 1999)
finds a severely sick or injured animal and ‘reasonable treatment will not be sufficient to make the animal respond and the animal
will suffer unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress’ he or she must destroy the animal if the owner cannot be found within a
reasonable time. Alternatively, if the owner is available but does not agree with the decision to euthanise the animal this section
provides for a second opinion to be sought.
- The critical factor is that the veterinarian must ‘find’ the animal. Interpretation of ‘find’ is broad and includes the situation
where a veterinarian is presented with such an animal by an owner or by a member of the public. The significance of the word
‘find’ is that the veterinarian does need to physically come across the animal, as distinct from simply gaining knowledge of the
animal. This suggests that the veterinarian is required to carry out a physical examination of the animal before reaching a
conclusion. It follows that where a veterinarian learns of a severely sick or injured animal but has not seen it, the destruction
of the animal cannot be authorised by the veterinarian. The veterinarian has a professional duty to examine the animal
and take all reasonable steps to locate the owner before considering the option of euthanasia.
- While the legislation does not constrain the veterinarian to act only under the authority of an appointed inspector in making
the decision to euthanise the animal, it is strongly recommended that they do so wherever possible. While the veterinarian is most
likely to understand the medical basis for the decision to euthanise, the appointed inspector may be able to advise on the soundness
of the decision taking into account the legal complexities. In an emergency, if a warranted inspector is not readily available,
veterinarians are advised to consult with a member of the police, as police officers are deemed to be inspectors under the
Animal Welfare Act 1999.
- Where veterinarians act independently in reliance on s138, they must be very sure that they follow all the obligatory procedural
steps to minimise the risk of associated legal liability and should document the same.
- If veterinarians are unsure about making a decision to euthanise an animal under section 138 they are encouraged to discuss this
with VCNZ, NZVA, MAF Animal Welfare or their lawyer before they act.
- Section 140 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 identifies the obligations applying to veterinarians when presented with
a severely sick or injured marine mammal.
- The American Veterinary Medical Association Guidelines on Euthanasia define euthanasia as the act of inducing
humane death in an animal. In order to be humane euthanasia techniques should result in rapid loss of
consciousness followed by cardiac or respiratory arrest and the ultimate loss of brain function. In addition,
techniques should minimise distress and anxiety experienced by the animal prior to loss of consciousness. Selection
of the most appropriate method of euthanasia in any given situation depends on the species of animal involved,
available means of animal restraint, skill of personnel, number of animals, and other considerations. Veterinarians
are expected to exercise sound professional judgment and use their knowledge of clinically acceptable and
science-based techniques in selecting an appropriate euthanasia technique taking into account the above factors.
The AMVA guidelines provide useful advice on euthanasia.
Click on this link: www.avma.org/issues/animal_welfare/euthanasia.pdf.
- Veterinarians must ensure, that in the course of their work, only persons appropriately approved under sections 15-20 of the
Animal Welfare Act 1999 perform significant, restricted or controlled surgical procedures. Veterinarians must be satisfied that any person under
their authority who performs any type of surgical procedure on an animal is appropriately trained and supervised, and that the animal does
not suffer unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress.
Understanding Section 5
- Under Section 6 of the Animal Welfare Act 1999 significant surgical procedures include but are not limited to restricted surgical
procedures, controlled surgical procedures and any other surgical procedure declared by Order in Council to be significant for the
purposes of the Act.
- Debarking of dogs, declawing of cats and the docking of the tail of a horse are all classified as restricted
surgical procedures. Only veterinarians or veterinary undergraduate students working under the direct and constant
supervision of a veterinarian are allowed to perform restricted surgical procedures.
- Before a restricted surgical procedure may be performed veterinarians must satisfy themselves that it is in the interests of the
animal. The ‘interests of the animal’ is paramount, not the interests of the animal's owner. For example, the docking of the tail
of a horse where there is infection or a cancerous growth can reasonably be thought to be in the interests of the animal. Whereas
the docking of the tail of a Shire horse for horse show purposes or for cosmetic reasons is clearly not in the interests of the animal.
- Develvetting of deer is a controlled surgical procedure. Only veterinarians, undergraduate veterinary
students acting under the supervision of a veterinarian, the owner of an animal who is acting under veterinary
approval, and the employee of the owner of an animal acting under veterinary approval may perform controlled
surgical procedures. Veterinary approval in the context of the performance of controlled surgical procedures
is defined in the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and veterinarians are referred to the Act for the detailed requirements.
When approving laypersons to carry out velvet removal and authorising the purchase and use of restricted veterinary medicines veterinarians
are strongly advised to comply with the MAF ACVM Performance and Technical Standard 1.1
Xylazine, Yohimbine and Lignocaine for the Purpose of
Velvet Antler Removal. Veterinarians who comply with this standard can be assured that they will meet their legal and professional
responsibilities under the Animal Welfare Act 1999, the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997 and the VCNZ Code of
Professional Conduct.
- Under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 significant surgical procedures (that are not listed as controlled surgical procedures) must only
be carried out by a veterinarian or an undergraduate veterinary student under the direct and constant supervision of a veterinarian.
- Any person may perform a surgical procedure on an animal that is not a significant surgical procedure but
must do so in a manner that does not result in unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress.
- Where a matter is brought to the attention of VCNZ about a person not authorised under the Animal Welfare Act 1999 performing a
surgical procedure which might reasonably be considered to be significant the matter in the first instance will be referred to MAF
for investigation of a possible breach of the provisions of the Animal Welfare Act 1999. In circumstances where the surgical
procedure has been performed under the authority of a veterinarian VCNZ will consider a number of factors. These could include
whether the veterinarian has acted appropriately taking into account the outcome of the MAF investigation and the circumstances
under which the procedure was performed including: the degree of supervision of the person, the level of training of the person and
whether the animal has suffered unnecessary or unreasonable pain or distress.
- Where a matter is brought to the attention of VCNZ about a non veterinarian, acting under the authority of a veterinarian,
performing a surgical procedure not reasonably considered to be significant, the matter will be considered in the context of
whether the veterinarian has acted appropriately in delegating the procedure. Consideration would likely include the circumstances
under which the procedure was performed including: the degree of supervision of the person, the training of the person and whether
the animal has suffered unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress.
- In considering whether a procedure can be delegated to a non veterinarian the following criteria should be applied:
- There must be no increased risk of pain or distress to the animal or breach of animal welfare
legislation or codes;
- Standards and public confidence in safeguards relating to animal health and welfare, public health,
and fitness for purpose of animal products must not be jeopardised;
- Legal requirements and professional obligations involved in certification must not be breached;
- Agricultural compounds and veterinary medicines legislation or codes of practice must not be breached;
- The training required to satisfy the above must be specified, courses of instruction should be available
and should have been satisfactorily completed by persons carrying out each procedure;
- The veterinary control required should be specified and be appropriate for each procedure, taking account
of the qualifications and competence of the person permitted to carry it out;
- Adequate arrangements to secure and enforce the above must be established.
- The consent of the owner knowing that the procedure will be carried out by a person who is not a veterinarian.
- Significant surgical procedures are defined by the Governor General, by Order in Council, acting on the advice
of the Minister tendered after consultation with the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee. Alternatively,
recognition of a significant surgical procedure may follow a successful court prosecution under the Animal Welfare
Act 1999. VCNZ if asked to provide advice on what might reasonably be considered to be a significant surgical procedure
will base its advice on a modified version of guidelines prepared by NZVA. The modified guidelines involve a
3 step process. Where the answer to the first two questions is yes and the answer to the third question is no,
VCNZ will advise that the procedure can reasonably be considered to be a significant surgical procedure. More
definitive advice would need to be sought from MAF.
Step 1. Does the procedure lead to significant pain and also involve:
- Entry into a body cavity or,
- Invasion of the periosteum or,
- Surgical removal of significant viable tissue.
Step 2. Does the procedure require:
- A detailed knowledge of anatomy and physiology and,
- A knowledge of the medical and surgical management of complications during and post surgery including:
herniation, infection, haemorrhage, adhesions, shock, homeostasis, allergic reactions, pain, and,
- An understanding of pharmacology including; pharmacokinetics, and dynamics, anaesthesia and analgesia,
allergic response, and,
- An understanding of pathophysiology, and,
- An understanding of asepsis and antisepsis.
Step 3. Is the procedure normally or commonly performed by non veterinarians in New Zealand?
- Veterinarians must not carry out treatments or procedures on animals unless they meet the following criteria. Treatments or procedures must:
- Only be performed:
- When the procedure is reasonable and appropriate in the circumstances in order to prevent, diagnose or treat an illness or injury; or
- In accordance with accepted farming practices (e.g. develvetting deer); or
- In accordance with generally accepted principles of responsible pet ownership (e.g. de-sexing cats and dogs).
- Not be performed primarily for the convenience of the owner.
- Meet accepted professional standards.
Understanding Section 6
- It is inappropriate to perform procedures on animals or carry out treatments that are either not necessary or not in
accordance with accepted husbandry and management practices. In all cases the welfare of the animals must be preserved.
- Procedures and treatments must be carried out in accordance with accepted professional standards. ‘Accepted professional
standards’ means:
- Those standards specifically published by VCNZ; or
- (In the absence of a stated and relevant VCNZ standard) those standards generally recognised by the veterinary community
including those of NZVA, and taking into account the views of veterinarians practising in the relevant clinical area.
- The Animal Welfare Act 1999 prohibits certain procedures and restricts others from being performed on animals. The Act also
defines who can perform surgical procedures. In order to further safeguard animal welfare, this Code establishes additional
professional obligations which apply to veterinarians for the purpose of ensuring that animals are not subject to unnecessary
treatment or procedures not already specified in the legislation. Because of the nature of the relationship between humans and
animals, it is not appropriate to restrict procedures to just those which are purely necessary for medical reasons. For example
develvetting of deer is not carried out for medical reasons but is legitimate when carried out in compliance with legal requirements
and accepted industry guidelines. Similarly routine desexing of companion animals is not always performed for medical reasons but
is considered a legitimate part of responsible pet ownership.
- These obligations are not intended to restrict any particular surgical procedure where it is undertaken for justifiable medical
reasons. Each case should be considered on its own merits in terms of whether it is justified depending on the circumstances. For
example, the excisional biopsy of benign skin tumours from dogs may be justified because of the potential for malignant change.
Similarly treatments or procedures on companion animals carried out as part of a planned breeding programme, may be justified on
wider animal welfare grounds.
- VCNZ considers that amputation of all or part of a dog’s tail without having a justifiable medical reason or because the dog
is a particular breed, type or conformation is unacceptable. It is the policy of NZVA that tails should not be docked. While the
Animal Welfare (Dogs) Code of Welfare 2010 makes provision for tails to be docked (minimum standard 17), allowing a tail band to
be used by an appropriately experienced person operating under a documented quality assurance system (such as the Accredited Tail
Dockers Scheme promoted by the New Zealand Kennel Club) veterinarians are required to comply with the Code of Professional Conduct
as the Codes of Welfare do not necessarily reflect veterinary policy or ethics.
- Where a client's animals are found to carry inherited defects that compromise their welfare or that of their prospective progeny,
veterinarians must give the client sound genetic counselling and management advice which is in the best interests of the animal and its progeny.
Understanding Section 7
- Veterinarians are trained to diagnose health conditions in animals which have a genetic basis. Breeding
programmes that select or allow for genetic defects in the offspring compromise those animals' welfare.
Veterinarians are expected to provide sound advice to clients planning to breed animals about how to develop
reproductive programmes that will reduce the incidence of hereditary diseases.
- Veterinarians are encouraged to seek advice from the appropriate NZVA Special Interest Branch (SIB) for specific information
on relevant inherited disorders.
Animal Welfare Resources
- Animal Welfare Act, 1999
- MAF Guidance on the Animal Welfare Act
- Codes of Welfare
- NZVA/MAF Toolkit for Veterinarians Involved in Resolving Animal Welfare Issues on Farms
- OIE Guidelines for Killing of Animals for Disease Control Purposes
Glossary
Adverse event: An adverse event is considered to have occurred if any one (or more) of the following
takes place after the administration of a veterinary medicine:
- an unexpected reaction;
- unreasonable pain or distress;
- lack of efficacy;
- the production of residues in primary products when the product has been used as recommended.
An adverse event is considered to have occurred if any one (or more) of the following takes
place after the administration of a veterinary medicine:
- an unexpected reaction;
- unreasonable pain or distress;
- lack of efficacy;
- the production of residues in primary products when the product
has been used as recommended.
Advertise: To publicise to the community or to any section of the community using any words, whether written, printed,
spoken, or in any electronic form, or of any pictorial representation or design or device used to promote the sale of any agricultural
compound; and 'to advertise' has a corresponding meaning (ref: section 2 ACVM Act).
Advertising does not include general information transfer about animal health, animal welfare,
or food safety status or management.
To publicise to the community or to any section of the community using any words,
whether written, printed, spoken, or in any electronic form, or of any pictorial
representation or design or device used to promote the sale of any agricultural
compound; and 'to advertise' has a corresponding meaning (ref: section 2 ACVM Act).
Advertising does not include general information transfer about animal health,
animal welfare, or food safety status or management.
Attending a veterinary emergency means to physically assess the animal(s) and as a
minimum provide relief from unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress.
Attending a veterinary emergency means to physically assess the animal(s)
and as a minimum provide relief from unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress.
Authorising, dispensing, recommending, selling and using veterinary medicines:
-
Authorising: A veterinarian creating a documented approval allowing a client to purchase a particular restricted
veterinary medicine to administer to a particular animal(s) in accordance with the instructions of the veterinarian.
A veterinarian creating a documented approval allowing a client to purchase
a particular restricted veterinary medicine to administer to a particular
animal(s) in accordance with the instructions of the veterinarian.
-
Dispensing: Supplying veterinary medicines strictly in accordance with a written veterinary authorisation.
Products must be dispensed in their registered packaging unless otherwise specified in the authorisation.
Supplying veterinary medicines strictly in accordance with a written
veterinary authorisation. Products must be dispensed in their
registered packaging unless otherwise specified in the authorisation.
-
Recommending: Advising a client to use a particular veterinary medicine.
Advising a client to use a particular veterinary medicine.
-
Selling: Offering for sale a veterinary medicine, including gifting or offering samples.
Offering for sale a veterinary medicine, including gifting or offering samples.
-
Using: A veterinarian administering a veterinary medicine to an animal(s) in their care.
This includes staff administering in accordance with the veterinarians instructions.
A veterinarian administering a veterinary medicine to an animal(s)
in their care. This includes staff administering in accordance
with the veterinarians instructions.
-
Veterinary medicine: Any substance, mixture of substances or biological compound used or intended for use
in the direct management of an animal.
Any substance, mixture of substances or biological compound used
or intended for use in the direct management of an animal.
Certification is the action of providing a written assurance or notification to
any person about any animal or animal product. (In this context 'written' includes using electronic means).
Certification is the action of providing a written assurance or
notification to any person about any animal or animal product.
(In this context 'written' includes using electronic means).
A client of a veterinarian is a person (or organisation) that uses or has used the professional services of that veterinarian.
A client of a veterinarian is a person (or organisation)
that uses or has used the professional services of that veterinarian.
Clinical practice means the professional examination, diagnosis, prophylactic,
medical and/or surgical services veterinarians provide.
Clinical practice means the professional examination, diagnosis,
prophylactic, medical and/or surgical services veterinarians provide.
Competency is the application of knowledge, skills, attitudes, communication and
judgement to the delivery of appropriate veterinary services in any particular field of veterinary
practice. Competence is demonstrated through performing the tasks required to an acceptable standard
and doing this on a consistent basis.
Competency is the application of knowledge, skills, attitudes,
communication and judgement to the delivery of appropriate
veterinary services in any particular field of veterinary
practice. Competence is demonstrated through performing the tasks
required to an acceptable standard and doing this on a consistent basis.
Compounded preparation: A preparation prepared by a veterinarian or by a person on behalf of a veterinarian
for use or sale as a veterinary medicine without regulatory assessment or approval.
A preparation prepared by a veterinarian or by a person on behalf
of a veterinarian for use or sale as a veterinary medicine without
regulatory assessment or approval.
Compounding: Combining ingredients (some of which may be generic chemicals or biological compounds and others
may be trade name products) to prepare a medication to be supplied to a person to treat an animal.
To prepare means not only the process of combining ingredients in an appropriate manner for the intended purpose, but also placing
the medication into appropriate packaging with appropriate labelling to allow it to be supplied to and used by a person other than
the veterinarian who compounded it.
Combining ingredients (some of which may be generic chemicals
or biological compounds and others may be trade name products) to
prepare a medication to be supplied to a person to treat an animal.
To prepare means not only the process of combining ingredients in an
appropriate manner for the intended purpose but also placing the
medication into appropriate packaging with appropriate labelling to
allow it to be supplied to and used by a person other than the
veterinarian who compounded it.
Controlled drug means any substance, preparation, mixture, or article specified or
described in Schedule 1, Schedule 2, or Schedule 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. ( http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1975/0116/latest/DLM436101.html?search=ts_act_misuse+of+drugs_resel&p=1&sr=1)
Controlled drug means any substance, preparation, mixture, or
article specified or described in Schedule 1, Schedule 2, or
Schedule 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.
General Veterinary Practitioner is the predominant veterinarian who a client
chooses to provide the continuing and comprehensive primary veterinary care requirements for an animal or group of animals.
General Veterinary Practitioner is the predominant veterinarian
who a client chooses to provide the continuing and comprehensive
primary veterinary care requirements for an animal or group of animals.
Generic Chemical
A substance that is offered for sale without any veterinary medicine claims being made by the manufacturer, proprietor or seller.
A substance that is offered for sale without any veterinary medicine
claims being made by the manufacturer, proprietor or seller.
Human medicine refers to any medicine, prescription medicine or pharmacy-only
medicine as defined in the Medicines Act 1981.
Human medicine refers to any medicine, prescription medicine or
pharmacy-only medicine as defined in the Medicines Act 1981.
Ill treatment of an animal means causing an animal to suffer pain or distress
which is unreasonable or unnecessary.
Ill treatment of an animal means causing an animal to suffer
pain or distress which is unreasonable or unnecessary.
Immediate means taking place without delay.
Inducements are gifts or rewards offered to individual veterinarians
or their staff which provide a significant personal benefit and therefore have the potential to influence treatment decisions (including
the choice of restricted veterinary medicine) or incentivise sales. Examples might include but are not limited to cash, attendance
at entertainment or sporting events, travel, hospitality, loans, personal items and consumables.
Inducements are gifts or rewards offered to individual
veterinarians or their staff which provide a significant personal
benefit and therefore have the potential to influence treatment
decisions (including the choice of restricted veterinary medicine)
or incentivise sales.
Examples might include but are not limited to cash, attendance at
entertainment or sporting events, travel, hospitality, loans,
personal items and consumables.
MAF: Ministry of Agrictulture and Forestry.
MAF: Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
NZVA: New Zealand Veterinary Association.
NZVA: New Zealand Veterinary Association.
Off Label Use: Using a registered veterinary medicine (over the counter or restricted) product for a
purpose not assessed by MAF ACVM Group.
Off label use: Using a registered veterinary medicine
(over the counter or restricted) product for a purpose not
assessed by MAF ACVM Group.
Practice:
Any aspect of veterinary endeavour. The practice of veterinary science includes:
- signing any certificate e.g. clinical and export certificates;
- prescribing;
- treating;
- reporting or giving advice in a veterinary capacity using the knowledge, skills, attitudes and competence initially attained for the
BVSc degree (or equivalent) and built upon through experience and/or post-graduate and continuing professional development. "Practice"
goes wider in this context than clinical veterinary science to include regulatory and compliance functions, teaching, consultancy, advice
and health and welfare management.
Any aspect of veterinary endeavour.
The practice of veterinary science includes:
- signing any certificate e.g. clinical and export certificates;
- prescribing;
- treating;
- reporting or giving advice in a veterinary capacity using
the knowledge, skills, attitudes and competence initially attained
for the BVSc degree (or equivalent) and built upon through experience
and/or post-graduate and continuing professional development. "Practice"
goes wider in this context than clinical veterinary science to include
regulatory and compliance functions, teaching, consultancy, advice
and health and welfare management.
Referral: The act of handing over a matter/clinical case to a person, who has particular skills, or who is a
registered specialist in the appropriate discipline.
The act of handing over a matter/clinical case to a person, who has
particular skills, or who is a registered specialist in the
appropriate discipline.
RVM: Restricted veterinary medicine.
Retricted veterinary medicine.
Veterinarian means a person who is registered with the Veterinary Council
of New Zealand and who holds a current practising certificate.
Veterinarian means a person who is registered with the
Veterinary Council of New Zealand and who holds a current
practising certificate.
Veterinary authorisation: An instruction, in an appropriate documented form, from a veterinarian authorising:
- the use of a restricted veterinary medicine by the specified person in accordance with the authorising veterinarian's instructions;
- the holding of a relevant restricted veterinary medicine by a person who is neither a recognised trader nor a veterinarian;
- the sale from a person recognised to sell restricted veterinary medicines to a person specified in the authorisation.
The terms veterinary authorisation and veterinary prescription have the same meaning and may be used interchangeably.
An instruction, in an appropriate documented form, from a
veterinarian authorising:
- the use of a restricted veterinary medicine by the specified
person in accordance with the authorising veterinarian's instructions;
- the holding of a relevant restricted veterinary medicine by a
person who is neither a recognised trader nor a veterinarian;
- the sale from a person recognised to sell restricted veterinary
medicines to a person specified in the authorisation.
The terms veterinary authorisation and veterinary prescription have the
same meaning and may be used interchangeably.
Veterinary consultation
A veterinary consultation must include the veterinarian:
- interviewing the client (or a legitimate and authorised representative of the client);
- collecting and recording sufficient information relevant to the individual circumstances to ensure the proposed course of action
(including treatment) is appropriate and meets the needs and best interests of the animal(s) and the client;
- obtaining appropriate consent to the proposed course of action;
- being given and accepting responsibility for the ongoing health and welfare of the animal(s) concerned in relation to the consultation.
This includes arranging emergency care taking into consideration the circumstances and the potential for adverse effects from, or failure
of the agreed course of action;
- determining and providing the appropriate level of advice and training in order to be satisfied that the agreed course of action can
occur as planned
Consultation will usually involve the animal(s) having been seen by the veterinarian at the time of the consultation. If not, they will have
been seen recently or often enough for the veterinarian to have sufficient personal knowledge of the condition/health status of the animal(s).
This consultation is required in order for the veterinarian to be able to propose the particular course of action/treatment.
A veterinary consultation must include the veterinarian:
- interviewing the client (or a legitimate and authorised representative of the client);
- collecting and recording sufficient information relevant to
the individual circumstances to ensure the proposed course of action
(including treatment) is appropriate and meets the needs and best
interests of the animal(s) and the client;
- obtaining appropriate consent to the proposed course of action;
- being given and accepting responsibility for the ongoing health
and welfare of the animal(s) concerned in relation to the consultation.
This includes arranging emergency care taking into consideration the
circumstances and the potential for adverse effects from, or failure
of the agreed course of action;
- determining and providing the appropriate level of advice and training
in order to be satisfied that the agreed course of action can
occur as planned; and
Consultation will usually involve the animal(s) having been seen by the
veterinarian at the time of the consultation. If not, they will have been seen
recently or often enough for the veterinarian to have sufficient personal knowledge
of the condition/health status of the animal(s). This consultation is required in
order for the veterinarian to be able to propose the particular course of action/treatment.
VCNZ: Veterinary Council of New Zealand
Veterinary Council of New Zealand
Veterinary emergency: Any sudden, unforeseen injury, illness or complication in an animal demanding immediate or early
veterinary treatment to save life or to provide timely relief from unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress.
Any sudden, unforeseen injury, illness or complication in an
animal demanding immediate or early veterinary treatment to save
life or to provide timely relief from unreasonable or unnecessary
pain or distress.
Veterinary Operating Instruction (VOI): A set of instructions from an authorising veterinarian (AV) to a
non-veterinarian to hold restricted veterinary medicines (RVM) in anticipation of their use, and to use RVMs only in accordance
with the AV's instructions in circumstances in which the AV will not be carrying out a case-specific consultation.
A set of instructions from an authorising veterinarian (AV) to a
non-veterinarian to hold restricted veterinary medicines (RVM) in
anticipation of their use, and to use RVMs only in accordance
with the AV's instructions in circumstances in which the AV will
not be carrying out a case-specific consultation.
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Understanding the Guiding Principle
