- ANIMAL WELFARE REQUIREMENTS
All show organisers must ensure that provisions are in place in advance of the show/fair to protect the welfare of all animals at the show. The provisions must take account of the species of animal, the age and type of animal, the duration of the show and the likely weather conditions. They should also take into account whether animals are accustomed to shows and their ability to cope with novel and stressful situations. The Animal Health and Welfare Act No. 15 of 2013 specifies the general legal provisions for animal welfare.
The following requirements apply:
Animal Accommodation:
All animal accommodation must be appropriate to the species and type of animals being housed/ penned and must:
- Prevent the animals from escaping and not cause injury to animals (e.g., no sharp edges or protrusions).
- Have non-slip/comfortable flooring with dry bedding
at least in the case of animals with extra needs (e.g., young animals, pregnant and lactating animals).
- Have enough space that animals can move around, behave normally (groom etc.) and lie down together if penned in groups.
- Ensure animals are penned in compatible groups or if penned individually that they can see other animals.
- Ensure animals are safeguarded against fire, environmental or other hazards.
- Ensure that the lighting is sufficient to allow easy inspection of the animals at all times.
- Have and use a designated hospital pen for sick or injured animals with handling facilities to allow safe examination of an animal.
Feed and Water:
- Fresh water should be available to animals at all times during the show. If suitable functional drinkers are not present in the pens, alternative arrangements must be put in place (e.g., facilities for keepers to fill buckets and supply water to their animals). The volume of water needed should take account of the species and type of animals and the weather conditions.
- Animals must have ready access to suitable feed during the show or at reasonable intervals in line with their species, age and type (e.g., calves not with their dam must be fed at least twice a day).
Protection from Adverse Weather:
- Animals must be protected from adverse or extreme weather conditions - shade/cover must be provided in the case of extremes of hot/cold/wet weather.
- Particular attention must be given to animals susceptible to heat or cold stress e.g., young animals, unshorn sheep.
- If animals are kept indoors/in tents, care must be taken to monitor the temperature in the indoor space and provide extra ventilation where necessary.
Handling
- Animals should be handled by experienced and competent personnel only (ideally the keeper).
- Moving/handling should be minimised, and handling should take account of the novel/stressful situation (move calmly and quietly, allow more time etc).
Nominated Animal Welfare Officer and Private Veterinary Practitioner
- Show/fair organisers must nominate an Animal Welfare Officer (AWO) in advance of each show or fair.
- The name and contact details (mobile phone number) for the AWO must be provided to the RVO SVI two weeks in advance of the event.
- For shows or fairs with single species or small numbers of animals, one AWO will suffice. For larger, multispecies events it may be prudent to have more than one AWO, however this is at the discretion of the show organiser.
- The role of the Animal Welfare Officer is
- to assist in ensuring compliance with the animal welfare requirements at planning and during the show,
- to act as a contact point in the event of any animal health or welfare concerns arising
- to help to co-ordinate any actions required to deal with such issues.
- In addition, show/fair organisers must provide the details of a nominated PVP/s who will be available to attend the show, without delay, in the event of any animal requiring a veterinary assessment or treatment during the show.