Responding to requests from authorised officers such as RSPCA inspectors
Veterinary practitioners sometimes attend properties to deliver veterinary services after receiving a request from the RSPCA, Agriculture Victoria or other authorised officers such as wildlife officers.
Where there is any uncertainty about the legitimacy of a request, a veterinary practitioner is entitled to ask the requesting party to specify the legal rules under which they are requesting delivery of services (e.g. the relevant section of the POCTA Act or Regulations) and confirm that they are authorised under that legislation.
RSPCA Inspectors have a range of powers to enforce animal welfare law and investigate animal cruelty offences, including to enter property and seize evidence of animal offences.
Persons who attend a property to enforce a legal order may be met with hostility by the animal’s owner and other persons at the property, posing a potential risk to the health and safety of any persons or animals present. It is also possible that attendance in these circumstances may result in a Board complaint.
Accordingly, veterinary practitioners may wish to ask the RSPCA Inspector or authorised person to attend also when veterinary services are delivered (where possible). Having an inspector or authorised person attend at the same time may provide support and assistance to the practitioner, not only on the day of attendance but also in case of a complaint to the Board or other proceedings.
A reminder about off-site consultations
The Board recently investigated a complaint involving presentation of an animal to an off-site location where no facilities or assistance were available to help restrain the animal.
As required in Guideline 6.5 of the Board’s Guidelines, a practitioner should ensure that the environment in which they provide veterinary services during an off-site consultation is suitable for the services to be delivered.
RSPCA Inspectors have a range of powers to enforce animal welfare law and investigate animal cruelty offences, including to enter property and seize evidence of animal offences.
If the off-site environment does not allow for services to be provided to the expected standard, a veterinary practitioner should arrange alternative options, including consultation in a clinic with appropriate equipment.
Relevant guidelines
Other resources