Care for and handle animals used to support gamekeeping and wildlife management activities

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

This standard is aimed at those who work in game conservation on either a full- or part-time basis and 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 Glossary for some definitions that should help you with this.

1. carry out activities safely, in line with relevant health and safety requirements
2. care for and handle animals used in support of gamekeeping and wildlife management activities in a manner that maintains their health and wellbeing
3. select and supply feed for 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 report to the appropriate person on the animals' feeding behaviour
7. monitor the physical condition and behaviour of animals and take any appropriate action
8. maintain the cleanliness and condition of animal accommodation
9. ensure animals have the cleaning opportunities to maintain their condition and wellbeing
10. provide appropriate exercise when the animal is at work or at rest
11. clean and maintain tools and equipment after use
12. dispose of waste according to relevant legal and organisational requirements

1. the relevant health and safety requirements associated with caring for and handling animals used to support gamekeeping and wildlife management activities
2. your responsibilities under 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 animals according to specified organisational feeding requirements
6. how to identify different animal feeds
7. the dietary requirements of animals and how these vary at different life stages and when the animal is at work or at rest
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. what is 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 animals need exercise and how these needs change for animals during periods of work and rest
15. the requirements of animal accommodation
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 animals
19. the relevant organisational and legal requirements controlling the disposal of waste

Identify feeding requirements in terms of two of the following:

• food type
• feeding times
• feeding routines
• feed quantities

Monitor 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

Animals could include:

• dogs
• horses
• ferrets
• birds of prey

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