Develop and manage the animal health and welfare plans

This standard is about the development and management of the animal health and welfare plans.
It includes the development and management of plans to maintain animal health and welfare, including routines and the resources required. The management of animal health and welfare plans will cover implementation and evaluation.
You will have knowledge and understanding of the promotion of animal health and welfare, including nutrition, diet, accommodation and exercise.
You need to be aware of your own limitations and that you meet the relevant legal responsibilities for providing your duty of care under current animal health and welfare legislation.
This standard is suitable for those working with animals who have responsibility for planning and managing the approach to the health and welfare of animals within the organisation.

1. work professionally and ethically and within the limits of your authority, expertise, training, competence and experience
2. comply with the relevant animal health and welfare and animal-related legislation and associated codes of practice
3. confirm that the relevant environmental and health and safety policies and risk assessment requirements are put into practice across your area of responsibility
4. monitor and confirm that hygiene and bio-security measures are established and maintained in accordance with organisational practices and relevant legislation
5. develop health and welfare plans for animals, with clearly defined policies and procedures
6. develop contingency plans for dealing with problems that might arise
7. establish routines that allow for the implementation of the animal health and welfare plans
8. confirm that facilities, supplies, equipment and any other resources required, including staff, are available for the implementation of the animal health and welfare plans
9. calculate the cost implications of the animal health and welfare plans
10. communicate the requirements of the animal health and welfare plans to those who will be involved in their implementation
11. specify the recording and reporting arrangements for the animal health and welfare plans
12. check that all those involved in the implementation of the animal health and welfare plans have the skills and knowledge required to carry out the activities
13. manage the implementation of the animal health and welfare plans and maintain communication with all those involved in implementing the plans
14. confirm that all those involved in the implementation of the animal health and welfare plans have carried out the required animal health and welfare assessments
15. monitor and evaluate the implementation of the animal health and welfare plans, taking the required action and making changes to the plans where necessary
16. confirm that records are maintained and stored as required by the relevant legislation and organisational policy

1. 2. your professional responsibilities and the need to maintain professional competence
2. your responsibilities under relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, risk assessment requirements, associated codes of practice and organisational policies
3. your responsibility under the relevant animal health and welfare and animal-related legislation and associated code of practice
4. the importance of implementing the required hygiene and bio-security measures and the methods for achieving this
5. what should be considered when developing animal health and welfare plans
6. where and when to seek professional advice and guidance on the development of animal health and welfare plans
7. how to develop animal health and welfare plans with defined policies and procedures
8. the types of problems that may arise and how to take account of these when developing contingency plans
9. the process of establishing routines to allow the implementation of the animal health and welfare plans
10. the importance of assessing the cost-effectiveness of the animal health and welfare plans and the resources required for implementation, including staff
11. how to manage the implementation of the animal health and welfare plans and the importance of briefing and maintaining communication with all those involved in the implementation
12. how to monitor and evaluate animal health and welfare plans
13. the importance of maintaining the five welfare needs of the animal
14. the importance of evaluating and revising the animal health and welfare plans to ensure they continue to meet objectives
15. the records and reports that need to be kept in relation to developing and managing the animal health and welfare plans and the importance of completing them in accordance with the relevant legislation and organisational policy

When developing animal health and welfare plans consider the following:

1. the purpose of keeping each animal or group of animals
2. the sourcing of animals
3. the needs assessment of the welfare requirements for the animals kept
4. accommodation requirements
5. dietary requirements
6. access and handling by humans
7. training and the humane methods to be used
8. exercise requirements and the methods to be used
9. health and welfare monitoring relevant to species
10. the requirements for prophylactic treatments
11. breeding status, including neutering
12. veterinary attention
13. re-homing
14. euthanasia
15. culling
16. the introduction of new animals (including testing, quarantine)
17. transportation requirements
18. legal considerations
19. bio-security considerations
20. management of waste
21. cost

Current animal welfare legislation:

• England and Wales, Animal Welfare Act
• Scotland, Animal Health and Welfare Act
• Northern Ireland, Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland)

Problems:

• health issues
• notifiable diseases
• isolation
• quarantine
• emergencies
• animal escapes
• relocating of animals in the event of closure of the organisation

Five welfare needs:

• A suitable environment
• A proper diet including fresh water
• Ability to express normal behaviour
• Companionship and other pets
• Protection from and treatment of illness and injury