Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to provide race meeting veterinary advice to stewards on the health, welfare and fitness of race greyhounds or horses. It includes knowledge of relevant rules of racing, preparing for race meetings, making pre-race and post-race assessments of greyhounds or horses, providing advice to stewards and providing emergency care to animals.
The unit applies to individuals who are qualified veterinarians with recognised experience in the management and care of racing greyhounds or horses, and who are licensed to practise veterinary medicine in the nominated state.
Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Users are advised to check with the relevant controlling body or Principal Racing Authority (PRA) for current licence, accreditation or registration requirements.
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. Prepare for race meeting | 1.1 Confirm date, times and duties with race club or PRA 1.2 Confirm billing system with race club or PRA 1.3 Review rules of racing applicable to veterinary practices 1.4 Prepare supplies of first aid and emergency medications and equipment, including personal protective equipment 1.5 Advise stewards of veterinarian presence on course |
2. Monitor greyhounds or horses during race meetings | 2.1 Carry out pre-race and post-race assessment of greyhounds or horses at the request of stewards and/or trainer or after observation of signs of distress, illness, injury or abnormal behaviour 2.2 Collect pre-race and post-race blood and/or other samples as directed by stewards according to procedures and relevant rules of racing 2.3 Provide advice on the impact of adverse weather conditions on the health, welfare and management of greyhounds or horses to stewards and/or trainers 2.4 Observe race and post-race activities and examine and treat greyhounds or horses of concern, and report results to stewards |
3. Provide emergency care to greyhounds or horses | 3.1 Assess emergency care situation and resource requirements, including any assistance needed from staff on track 3.2 Carry out emergency care to greyhounds or horses 3.3 Provide written reports to stewards of any injuries and conditions suffered and any treatment provided to greyhounds or horses according to relevant racing code protocols and practices |
4. Comply with euthanasia procedures | 4.1 Report reasons for decision to euthanase greyhound or horse to stewards and personnel connected with the animal 4.2 Move greyhound or horse to private location if possible or screen area from public view 4.3 Verify and record identification of animal 4.4 Select euthanasia method and administer with consideration to staff safety, greyhound or horse welfare and the rules of racing 4.5 Confirm death of greyhound or horse 4.6 Take samples for testing or perform post-mortem 4.7 Coordinate arrangements with stewards, race club staff and greyhound or horse connections for removal of deceased animal 4.8 Provide written report on incident, including reasons for decision to euthanase and outcomes of post-mortem tests, to stewards |
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 |
Reading | Interpret and consolidate key information, including rules of racing and race club procedures |
Writing | Use clear language and accurate industry and/or medical terminology for reporting and recording animal injury and treatment information |
Numeracy | Perform calculations and measurements to determine medication doses |
Navigate the world of work | Follow workplace procedures, including WHS, animal welfare and first aid requirements, and meet expectations relating to own role and responsibilities Maintain racing code requirements for confidentiality |
Interact with others | Follow accepted industry practices and communication protocols for working with stewards, racing officials and other personnel |
Get the work done | Respond quickly to requests from stewards or other racing officials Judge situations, often under pressure, and take appropriate action to prevent problems arising or to overcome problems before they escalate |
Sectors
Racing performance (ROP)