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British Wildlife Rehabilitation Council

Registered Charity No. 1073757

Appendices

  Appendix I: Relevant Legislation

  Animal Welfare Act (2006), which largely replaced the Protection of Animals Act (1911). Throughout treatment the casualty must not be
  subjected to "unnecessary suffering".

  Protection of Animals Act (1911) protects all captive animals from unnecessary suffering and a wildlife casualty once confined in captivity is
  protected under the provisions of this Act.

  Animal Health Act (1981) relates to welfare of animals during transportation in Transit of Animal Orders 1973, 1975 and 1988 and
  Welfare of Animals During Transport Order 1992.

  Veterinary Surgeons Act (1966) indicates limits to treatment that may be given by unqualified people.

  Medicines Act (1968) requires certain classes of drugs to be held, prescribed and/or administered only by qualified people.

  Abandonment of Animals Act (1960) makes it an offence to abandon an animal in circumstances which might cause it to suffer
  unnecessarily.

  Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981) contains the bulk of legislation which protects wildlife.

  Dangerous Wild Animals Act (1976) controls the keeping in captivity of potentially dangerous species (includes adder and wild cat).

  Destructive Imported Animals Act (1932) - licences are required under this Act to keep certain destructive non-indigenous species e.g. grey
  squirrel, mink.

  Wild Mammals (Protection) Act (1996) relates to specified acts of cruelty to free living wild animals. Lawful activities like shooting, hunting and
  coursing are permitted.

  Deer Act (1991) allows capture for treatment and euthanasia for humane reasons.

  Protection of Badgers Act (1992) - protection of badgers' setts except under licence and protection of badgers with exceptions e.g.. for the
  purpose of tending or killing as an act of mercy.

  Conservation of Seals Act (1970) prohibits certain methods of killing seals and specifies the type of rifle and bullets which can be used to kill
  them.

  Many of the above Acts will have had amendments made to them which may also be relevant. In some cases Scotland and Northern Ireland
  will have their own legislation which will be similar to, but not necessarily the same as, that in England and Wales.

  Copies of these Acts, Orders and their amendments are obtainable from Her Majesty's Stationery Office, bookshops or main libraries.

  Appendix II: Basic Skills

  It is suggested that each unit ensures that senior personnel are competent in performing techniques involved in wildlife rehabilitation and
  that they have received instruction from their attending veterinary practice and also, possibly, by enrolling on various courses of practical
  instruction.

  A list of basic techniques should include:

  • Handling and restraint - various species
  • Hand rearing of dependent young
  • Wound management
  • Bandaging techniques
  • Administration of medication
  • Hygiene practices to prevent spread of infectious diseases
  • Euthanasia

  Knowledge of the natural history and normal behaviour of the species being handled should also be acquired.

  It is suggested that units maintain a basic reference library and a list of contacts with specialist knowledge.

  Appendix III: Basic Equipment

  Medical kit

  • dressings
  • fluids including Hartmans solution (lactated ringers)
  • syringes and crop tubes
  • antiseptic/insecticidal wound powders
  • antiseptic solution eg. povidone - iodine
  • antiseptic wound cream
  • ectoparasiticides and anthelmintics
  • instruments - scissors, forceps
  • wire cutters

  Accommodation with safe and controllable heating and fitted with thermometers and thermostats

  Handling equipment

  • grasper
  • hook
  • gloves
  • boxes
  • cages
  • blankets
  • wire cutters
  • nets
  • draw-string bags
  • survival blanket
  • field first aid kit
  • pads
  • splints

  Appendix IV: Statement of Facilities

  It is suggested that each unit produces a 'statement of facilities' which will outline the maximum capacity of the unit and its working practices.

  It is felt that in doing so units will look more critically at their facilities and methods of working and by regularly reviewing their 'statements' will
  have a basis for re-appraisal.

  A list of items for inclusion in such a 'statement' might include:

  • Species and maximum numbers of casualties to suit facilities available
  • Hygiene routines - daily and weekly
  • Personnel hygiene and accident prevention, compliance with the Health and Safety at Work legislation and Control of Substances
  Hazardous to Health (COSSH) Regulations
  • Waste disposal
  • Veterinary support
  • Employees and Public Liability Insurance
  • Units policy regarding volunteers
  • Associated centres
  • Protocol to deal with an escape
  • Procedure in the event of a fire