Summarise the legislation and codes of practice to protect animals' interests and welfare

Legislation and Codes of Practice for Animal Welfare

Animal Welfare Act

Obligatory duty of care, ensures owners and keepers are responsible for ensuring that the welfare needs of their animals are met, including:

1. A suitable diet
2. To exhibit normal behaviour patterns
3. A suitable environment
4. To be housed with, or apart from other animals
5. To be protected from pain, injury, suffering and disease

Carries a fine of up to £5000 or up to 5 years in prison.

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

Government body formed in 2001 responsible for:

• Safeguarding our natural environment
• Supporting our food and farming industry and sustaining a thriving rural economy
• Plays a major role in people's day to day life, from the food we eat and the air we breathe to the water we drink.

Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA)

Government organised agency launched in 2014, consists of the inspectorates from the Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA) including the:

• Bee inspectorate
• Plant Health and Seeds Inspectorate
• Plant Variety and Seeds Group and the GM inspectorate.
• Animal Health and veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA)

Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)

Allows people to take their dogs, cats, and ferrets to countries within the EU, stages are:

1. Microchip
2. Rabies vaccine (must be at least 12 weeks old)
3. Travel 21 days post vaccine
4. Get AHC
5. Arrive through a travellers point of entry.
6. Tapeworm treatment depending on destination (Finland, Ireland + northern, Malta, Norway. No less than 24hrs and no more than 5 days before arrival to EU or arrival back into GB)

Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966

Act that regulates the members of the veterinary profession, ensures that those treating animals are appropriately trainer, qualified and competent. Only certain that can be delegated to RVN/SVN/lay staff with appropriate advice/ supervision, and it is the framework provided by RCVS Code of Conduct.

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA)

The oldest and largest animal welfare charity that works to improve the lives of animals, they:

• Investigate cruelty and neglect.
• Rescue animals.
• Educate people.
• Improve laws.

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)

The country's largest nature conservation charity, inspiring everyone to give nature a home. Works in partnership with other landowners and conservation organisations to protect and restore places for nature and to help threatened species.

Maintaining Animal Health: Key Factors

Housing for Rabbits

Rabbits need protection from extreme temperatures and damp conditions. Their enclosures should have shade, natural light, and space for activity. Outdoor hutches should be raised, waterproof, and sheltered in winter.

Housing for Cats and Dogs

Cats and dogs need a comfortable, dry, and clean resting area, protected from weather. Temperature control, ventilation, and light help prevent heat stress, while offering different resting spots improves their comfort.

Heating, Lighting, and Ventilation in Veterinary Kennels

Hospital Temperature: Keep between 18-22°C. Some species or conditions need specific temps (e.g., 25℃ for neonate incubators).

Ventilation in Kennels

• Passive: Uses doors, windows, and vents.
• Active: Uses fans or air conditioning.
• Proper ventilation prevents dampness, odours, draughts, and reduces infections. Aim for 4-8 air changes per hour.

Isolation Areas in Kennels

• Mild negative pressure with 12 air changes per hour to prevent cross- contamination.
• Each ward should have separate ventilation systems.

Structure, Space, and Size for Rabbits

A pair of small to medium-sized rabbits needs an enclosure of at least 3m x 2m x 1m, with a secure, predator-proof shelter and living area. They should have space to run, hide, jump, stand, and lie down comfortably. The enclosure should include a clean, draught-free resting area, hides, enrichment, and an easily accessible toilet area for their comfort.

Structure, Space, and Size for Cats and Dogs

Cats and dogs need a safe, clean, and quiet space with hiding spots, accessible toilet areas, and room to move. Outdoor kennels should be weatherproof, with multiple shelters for outdoor cats. Minimum recommended kennel sizes are:

• Cats: 45.72 cm x 45.72 cm x 72.39 cm
• Small dogs: 45.72 cm x 60.96 cm x 72.39 cm
• Medium dogs: 76.2 cm x 76.2 cm x 72.39 cm
• Large dogs: 76.2 cm x 121.92 cm x 72.39 cm

Feeding Guidelines

Animals should always have access to fresh, clean water and be fed according to their age, species, health, activity level, and nutritional needs, following manufacturer guidelines. Portions should be adjusted to maintain a healthy weight.

Feeding Cats

Cats require a high-protein, meat-based diet with essential nutrients like taurine, vitamin A, and B vitamins for heart, eye, skin, and metabolic health. They typically prefer smaller, more frequent meals (3-4 times daily), though some may do well with free feeding. Kittens need 4-6 feedings a day to support their growth and higher energy needs.

Feeding Dogs

Adult dogs are typically fed once or twice a day, while puppies need 3-4 meals daily until they grow older. Dogs require a balanced diet with protein, fats, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients like omega fatty acids, calcium, and vitamins A, D, and B, adjusted for their age, size, and activity level. Gradual diet changes help prevent digestive issues, and monitoring eating habits is key to detecting potential health problems.

Feeding Rabbits

Rabbits need clean, fresh water and a diet primarily of hay or grass (85%), with leafy greens (10%) and a small amount of commercial food (5%, ideally specialist nuggets). Their diet should suit their age, activity, and health, with food amounts adjusted as needed to maintain a healthy weight.

Exercise for Cats

Outdoor cats exercise through natural hunting and play, while indoor cats need stimulation and playtime with toys and activities to keep them mentally and emotionally engaged.

Exercise for Dogs

Dogs should be walked daily, with the duration and frequency based on their breed and individual needs. They also need time outside to play, explore, and interact with other dogs for mental stimulation.

Exercise for Rabbits

Rabbits need regular exercise to prevent osteoporosis and should have constant access to a run with activities for mental, social, and physical stimulation. They also benefit from safe toys, opportunities to dig, forage, and hide.

Grooming Practices

Grooming needs depend on breed and coat type, aiding in health checks like spotting coat issues or flystrike. Long-haired cats require regular grooming, especially during moulting, and rabbits should be groomed to detect health problems. Grooming also helps with animal handling. Coat types include double, smooth, wire, wool, silky, corded, and felt. Grooming tools include:

• Matt Breaker: Breaks mats and knots.
• Shedding Blade: Removes dead hair.
• Combs: Smoothing and knot removal.
• Soft-Bore Bristle Brush: For wire coats and dried dirt.
• Slicker Brush: For most coats, removes loose hair.
• Hound Glove: Removes loose hair in short coats.
• Coat King: Thins out coats.
• Undercoat Rake: Removes dead undercoat.
• Deep Pin Brush: For thick or silky coats.
• Rubber Comb: Smooths topcoats on smooth breeds.
• Stripping Stone: For hand-stripping wire coats.

Dental Care for Cats

Neglecting dental care in cats can lead to tartar build-up, gum disease, and loose teeth. Cats are harder to brush, but oral diets and water additives can help prevent tartar. Eventually, they may require a dental procedure under general anaesthesia.

Dental Care for Dogs

Dogs should have their teeth brushed daily with veterinary-approved toothpaste and a soft brush, starting at an early age. Dental chews and toys can help reduce tartar, but brushing is the most effective method for maintaining oral health.

Dental Care for Rabbits

Dental problems in rabbits can result from breeding or an incorrect hay/grass ratio in their diet. Common issues include malocclusion of the incisors or molars, leading to oral lesions and ulcers.

Vaccination Regimes

Vaccinations should be given annually after the initial course to protect against:

• Cats: Flu, Enteritis, Leukaemia, Rabies
• Dogs: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Leptospirosis, Kennel Cough, Rabies (if traveling)
• Rabbits: Myxomatosis, RHD 1 and 2

Parasite Control

Cats and dogs need regular treatment for endoparasites (worms) and ectoparasites (fleas, ticks, mites), with frequency depending on the product used, following manufacturer guidelines. Treatment should be suited to the species, life stage, and health status. Rabbits can also have parasites, but preventative treatment is rare, typically administered when clinical signs appear. Parasites can cause health issues like digestive problems, skin irritation, and may spread other diseases.

Ongoing Health Assessments

Ongoing health assessments for dogs, cats, and other animals involve monitoring their behaviour, activity, posture, and movement for abnormalities. Checking body weight, coat, skin, eyes, ears, and genital areas can reveal health issues. Appetite and changes in excretions (urine and faeces) should also be observed, as these may signal health concerns. Regular checks help detect problems early.

Normal and Abnormal Animal Presentations

Behaviour and Temperament

Normal - Bright, alert, and responsive BAR Abnormal - Submission, pain, timid, appearing unhappy.

Neurological Issues

Neurological issues - Head pressing or signs of cranial pain, Hepatic encephalopathy- Liver disease, can't remove toxins therefore, they build up in the blood stream damaging the brain.

Head Posture

Normal - Held in natural, upright position with symmetrical alignment. Abnormal -

• Head Tilt: Possible vestibular or neurological issue.
• Head Shaking/Scratching: Could indicate ear infection or parasites.
• Head Lowering: May suggest pain, especially in the neck or head area.

Muscle Wastage

Normal - Symmetrical but could be abnormal, cachexic - loss of lean body mass, due to severe chronic illness. Abnormal - Asymmetrical