Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to coordinate and implement a plan for the seizure of animals that may be aggressive, dangerous, injured or large.
The unit applies to individuals who work in animal care and management roles that require them to seize animals as part of their role.
All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures according to state/territory health and safety regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements | Performance Criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Assess the situation | 1.1 Record details of the seizure situation 1.2 Assess situation to determine risks to self, bystanders, the public and target animal 1.3 Maintain the safety of self, bystanders, the public and target animal at all times 1.4 Follow workplace policies, industry standards and procedures and legislative requirements at all times 1.5 Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment 1.6 Determine seizure plan in consultation with colleagues and other relevant personnel |
2. Coordinate the seizure plan | 2.1 Request backup from appropriate personnel 2.2 Quarantine the area, if required, to minimise risk to self, assistants, the public and target animals 2.3 Request professional assistance and advice if required 2.4 Notify emergency services personnel and involve them if necessary 2.5 Implement workplace health and safety and emergency procedures relating to the seizure 2.6 Select, unpack and prepare appropriate equipment according to manufacturers’ requirements 2.7 Ensure relevant licences and permits for the use of drugs and equipment are held by the user 2.8 Calculate and prepare drug doses for sedation and immobilisation under the direct supervision of a veterinarian |
3. Capture animals | 3.1 Give appropriate instructions to personnel assisting in the seizure 3.2 Use equipment legally, correctly and safely to capture animals in an ethical and humane manner 3.3 Secure, restrain, load and transport animals humanely 3.4 Unload and secure animals at holding destination 3.5 Dispose of deceased animals appropriately according to workplace policies and procedures and legislative requirements 3.6 Handle drugged animals appropriately, examine them for health and welfare problems and, if necessary, give recovery treatment |
4. Complete post-seizure procedures | 4.1 Clean, maintain and store equipment 4.2 Store any unused sedation and immobilisation drugs in an appropriate place 4.3 Notify owners of animals, if relevant, and take any further action required 4.4 Complete documentation about the incident and enter into relevant organisational management systems 4.5 Brief supervisor on incident according to workplace protocols 4.6 Review seizure and capture plan to ensure improved performance in the future |
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skill | Description |
Get the work done | Make decisions about whether assistance is required for seizure of the animal, and coordinate available support |
Numeracy | Estimate animal’s body weight to calculate required drug dosage |
Sectors
Animal Control and Regulation (ACR)