Safety and legislation in animal husbandry

Animals are strong, fast, and unpredictable, and even tame animals can react if they get scared or hurt. Your own safety and your colleagues' is a prerequisite for being able to take care of the animals well at all.

• 01Bites and scratches — can cause both injury and infection.
• 02Kicks, bumps, and pinching from large animals.
• 03Clamping against fence, gates or in transport boxes.
• 04Infection (zoonoses) through wounds, mucous membranes or inhalation.
• 05Smooth, wet floors and heavy lifting in the stable environment.

• 01Know the animal's behavior and signals before you get close.
• 02Always have an escape route, and don't stand in pinch points.
• 03Use appropriate personal protective equipment and correct footwear.
• 04Work two together with large or restless animals.
• 05Use correct lifting technique and aids for heavy lifting.
• 06Wash hands and care for wounds immediately after contact.

Animal care and keeping are regulated, and as a professional you are expected to know the framework for your work. The legislation sets requirements for animal welfare and prohibits abuse and neglect, and special rules apply to certain animal groups.

• 01General requirements for proper care and maintenance so animals do not suffer unnecessarily.
• 02Rules for keeping specific animals and which species are allowed.
• 03Protection of endangered and protected species and rules for import and export.
• 04Requirements for registration, marking and documentation for certain animals.
• 05Rules for transport so animals are not subjected to unnecessary stress.

You must know the rules that apply to your specific work area, know where to look them up, and who to ask if in doubt. Rules change, so keep yourself updated through the workplace, professional organizations, and government guidance rather than assuming what used to apply.

“Safety and rules are not in the way of animal care — it is the framework that makes it responsible.”