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Care for the health and well-being of working animals

URN: LANGa6
Business Sectors (Suites): Game and Wildlife Management
Developed by: Lantra
Approved on: 2022

Overview

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This standard is about caring for the health and wellbeing of working animals used to support gamekeeping and wildlife management activities. It relates to the activities that you carry out to house, feed, water and care for the health and wellbeing of the animals.

This standard is for those who work in game conservation and it can be applied to any wildlife management area.

To meet this standard you will be able to:
• feed animals
• water animals
• exercise animals
• maintain the condition of animals.

For you to fully understand the content of the standard, and the activities it describes, it is important that you are able to understand the terms used within the standard. See the Glossary for some definitions that should help you with this.

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

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  1. carry out activities safely, in line with the relevant health and safety requirements
  2. care for and handle working animals in a manner that maintains their health and wellbeing
  3. select and supply feed for working animals appropriate to their feeding requirements
  4. prepare and store feed correctly
  5. maintain a sufficient supply of clean, fresh water for animals
  6. observe and take appropriate action where there is any concern about the animals' feeding behaviour
  7. monitor the physical condition and behaviour of working animals and take appropriate action where there is any concern
  8. provide suitable and safe accommodation for working animals that maintains their health and wellbeing
  9. maintain the cleanliness and condition of animal accommodation and bedding
  10. provide working animals with opportunities to maintain their condition and wellbeing
  11. groom working animals as required to maintain cleanliness and welfare 
  12. provide appropriate exercise when the animal is at work or at rest
  13. clean and maintain tools and equipment after use
  14. dispose of waste according to the relevant legal and organisational requirements

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

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  1. the relevant health and safety requirements associated with caring for and handling working animals 
  2. your responsibilities under the relevant animal health and welfare legislation and codes of practice
  3. the welfare requirements of working animals
  4. how to promote the health and wellbeing of working animals
  5. the importance of feeding working animals according to their needs
  6. the dietary requirements of working animals and how these vary at different life stages and when the animal is at work or at rest
  7. how to identify different animal feeds
  8. the importance of maintaining an adequate supply of clean, fresh water
  9. why it is important to clean and maintain feeding equipment
  10. what to do if any abnormal feeding behaviour is observed
  11. the normal physical condition and behaviour of the animal and how to recognise any abnormalities
  12. what to do if an abnormal animal condition or behaviour is recognised
  13. the signs and symptoms that indicate common ailments
  14. why working animals need exercise and how these needs change for animals during periods of work and rest
  15. the requirements for animal accommodation to maintain health and wellbeing
  16. the importance of cleanliness in the maintenance of animal welfare
  17. how animals maintain their own appearance and function
  18. how to safely groom working animals
  19. the relevant organisational and legal requirements controlling the disposal of waste

Scope/range

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Identify feeding requirements in terms of two of the following:
• food type
• feeding times
• feeding routines
• feed quantities

Monitor the condition and behaviour in terms of four of the following:
• appearance
• posture
• movement
• bodily function
• social interaction

Ensure animals have at least one of the following cleaning opportunities:
• to clean themselves
• to be groomed

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

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Animals could include:
• dogs
• horses
• ferrets
• birds of prey

Links To Other NOS

External Links

Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Lantra

Original URN

LANGa6

Relevant Occupations

Estate Worker, Gamekeeper

SOC Code

5119

Keywords

working animals; care; gun dogs