RSPCA Policy D9 Use of animals sheltered or owned by the RSPCA

9.1

RSPCA shelters provide sanctuary for a diverse group of animals which may include: stray animals being held for the statutory period, seized animals awaiting legal processes, animals undergoing veterinary procedures, animals awaiting adoption and boarders. The role of the shelter is that of a guardian. The RSPCA has a duty of care to provide all animals throughout their stay with the highest standard of care and protection, while ensuring that, at all times, their dignity is maintained.

9.2

Animals sheltered or owned by the RSPCA must not be used for study or teaching activities unless all of the following specific circumstances apply:

The procedures undertaken for the activity will not have any measurable negative impact on the animals involved.
The activity has the potential to benefit the species involved.
The activity falls into one of the following categories:
- teaching activities designed to further animal welfare and the objectives of the RSPCA (such as within RSPCA education centres); or
- behavioural observations where no handling is required (such as observations carried out from outside a kennel); or
- activities associated with routine veterinary or animal management procedures (such as weighing or measuring animals, walking them, conducting physical health examinations or behavioural assessments, or obtaining blood samples) where such activities or samples are already being undertaken.
The activity has first been approved by an animal ethics committee as required by the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes.

9.3

Animals sheltered or owned by the RSPCA, whether dead or alive, must not be used as a resource for the supply of blood, organs or any other tissue.

(reviewed 9/10/2007)

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