Mandatory notification of certain non-native animal species

NSW DPI has released a discussion paper on proposed changes to biosecurity legislation which would require veterinarians to notify NSW DPI if they become aware of or suspect the presence of certain non-native animal species including if they do so in a professional capacity.

You can view this discussion paper from this link.

The Board appreciated the importance of controlling these species for biosecurity reasons but has expressed concerns that veterinarians may not be adequately resourced or protected to police this legislation. 

The Board is of the opinion that the most effective role for the veterinary profession is in education and not in policing this legislation. The Board has also expressed the following concerns:

  1. i. Veterinarians have a primary concern for the welfare of animals and aligned with this an obligation to maintain confidentiality of client communications. Mandatory notification of certain non-native animal species will lead to people not taking these animals to veterinarians which will lead to poor animal welfare outcomes for these animals and the broader environment

     

  2. ii. Veterinarians are generally not adequately trained to identify these species and therefore many will be unable to fulfil such a requirement

     

  3. iii. Veterinarians and their staff may be exposed to significant work health and safety risks for reporting the owners of these animals.

     

NSW DPI is looking for your feedback by Friday 27 April. Feedback can be provided online or by email.

 

 

This news article was published on 17 January 2020.