ACMACR405 Assist with the euthanasia of sick, injured or unwanted pound animals

Release: 1

ACMACR405 Assist with the euthanasia of sick, injured or unwanted pound animals

Modification History

Release	Comments
Release 1	This version released with ACM Animal Care and Management Training Package Version 1.0.

Application

This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to assist with the euthanasia of sick, injured or unwanted pound animals in a humane way that complies with safe operating practices and with ethical, welfare and legislative requirements.

Individuals undertaking this task must be under the direct supervision of a qualified veterinarian.

This unit applies to individuals who are required to assist with the euthanasia of animals under the supervision of a registered veterinarian as part of their work in a pound. The individual is also required to exhibit appropriate care for animals so that stress and discomfort is minimised.

This unit does not cover the euthanasia of livestock.

Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements may apply to this unit. Therefore, it will be necessary to check with the relevant state or territory regulators for current licensing, legislative or regulatory requirements before undertaking this unit.

NOTE: The terms ‘occupational health and safety’ (OHS) and ‘work health and safety’ (WHS) generally have the same meaning in the workplace. In jurisdictions where the national model WHS legislation has not been implemented, RTOs must contextualise the unit of competency by referring to current OHS legislative requirements.

Pre-requisite Unit

Nil

Unit Sector

Animal Control and Regulation (ACR)

Elements and Performance Criteria

Elements	Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes.	Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.
1. Prepare to euthanase an animal under supervision	1.1 Identify animal intended for euthanasia according to organisational policies and procedures 1.2 Select method of euthanasia that is consistent with organisational policies and procedures and legislative requirements 1.3 Prepare equipment and materials required for euthanasia 1.4 Determine required human assistance for the procedure and organise 1.5 Identify hazards associated with the procedure according to WHS procedures 1.6 Obtain and review licences and permits required to conduct euthanasia with the supervisor
2. Assist with euthanasia of an animal under supervision	2.1 Use personal protective and safety equipment according to WHS standards and statutory requirements 2.2 Handle and transport equipment safely at all times according to industry standards 2.3 Ensure animal is physically restrained in a way that minimises its pain and distress 2.4 Assist with the application of euthanasia method 2.5 Monitor euthanasia procedure to ensure that the animal’s death is rapid and without complications or undue suffering 2.6 Confirm death of animal
3. Carry out post-euthanasia tasks	3.1 Handle and move carcass if required for research or post-mortem examination according to organisational policies and procedures and legislative requirements 3.2 Dispose of animal carcass and biological waste according to organisational policies and procedures and legislative requirements 3.3 Dispose of or decontaminate, clean and store equipment and materials according to standard operating procedures 3.4 Update records relating to the euthanased animal according to organisational policies and procedures

Foundation Skills

This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential for performance in this unit of competency but are not explicit in the performance criteria.

Skill	Description
Writing	Make notes of chosen method of euthanasia
Oral communication	Listen carefully to instructions from veterinarian and asks clarifying questions as required
Numeracy	Calculate solutions, dilutions, body weights and dose rates
Get the work done	Develop personal grief coping methods

Unit Mapping Information

Code and title current version	Code and title previous version	Comments	Equivalence status
ACMACR405 Assist with the euthanasia of sick, injured or unwanted pound animals	ACMACR405A Euthanase sick, injured or unwanted pound animals	Updated to meet Standards for Training Packages Title changed to reflect application of unit	Equivalent unit

Links

Companion Volumes, including Implementation Guides, are available at VETNet: - https://vetnet.education.gov.au/Pages/TrainingDocs.aspx?q=b75f4b23-54c9-4cc9-a5db-d3502d154103