Animal Welfare Policy

Purpose. This policy sets out Riverbend's commitment to the welfare of every animal in its care and the standards all workers and volunteers must meet.

1.Purpose

Riverbend exists to protect and improve the welfare of animals. This policy establishes the minimum welfare standards that apply at every site and in every service, from a short grooming visit to a long shelter stay. It applies to employees, volunteers, contractors and students on placement.

2.Policy statement

Riverbend will provide every animal in its care with the five domains of welfare: good nutrition, a suitable environment, good health, the opportunity to express normal behaviour and a positive mental state. Workers must never cause an animal unnecessary pain, suffering or distress. Where an animal's welfare cannot be protected, workers must escalate to a supervisor or veterinarian without delay.

• Fresh water must be available to every animal at all times
• Housing must meet the shelter code of practice for space, temperature and cleanliness
• Animals must be checked at least twice daily and observations recorded
• Enrichment must be provided every day for animals held longer than 72 hours

3.Legal framework

Riverbend operates under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (Victoria), the Domestic Animals Act 1994 (Victoria) and the Code of Practice for the Management of Dogs and Cats in Shelters and Pounds. The clinic operates under the Veterinary Practice Act 1997 (Victoria). Managers must ensure that procedures reflect current legal requirements and that workers are trained in them.

4.Responsibilities

The Chief Executive Officer is accountable for this policy. Department leads must implement it through procedures, training and supervision. Every worker and volunteer must follow the procedures, report welfare concerns and stop any activity that puts an animal at risk.

• Chief Executive Officer: policy ownership and resourcing
• Department leads: procedures, training, records and audits
• Veterinarians: clinical welfare decisions and euthanasia authorisation
• All workers and volunteers: daily care, observation and reporting

5.Welfare concerns and reporting

Any worker who observes or suspects poor welfare, neglect or cruelty must report it to their supervisor the same day and record it in the Animal Register against the animal's record. Suspected cruelty by a member of the public must be referred to the Shelter Manager, who will decide whether to notify the relevant authority. Reports made in good faith will never result in adverse treatment of the reporter.

6.Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Chief Executive Officer or earlier if legislation, the code of practice or an incident investigation requires it. Changes must be approved before release and communicated to all sites through the notice board and team meetings.