Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:38 PM AWST

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Euthanase livestock

Euthanase livestock

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCLSK349
State Code
OFF23
TGA Status
Current
DTWD Status
Approved
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
11/02/2025
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
11/08/2025
Field of Education
050105 - Animal Husbandry
Original Release Date
11/08/2025
Nominal Hours
10
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to euthanase livestock without distress or suffering prior to cessation of their vital life functions.The unit applies to individuals who euthanase livestock under broad direction and take responsibility for their own work.All work must be carried out to comply with workplace procedures, according to state/territory health and safety regulations, legislation and standards that apply to the workplace, and animal welfare legislation, regulations, standards and guidelines, and sustainability and biosecurity practices.In addition to legal responsibilities, all units of competency dealing with animals in the AHC Agriculture, Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package have the requirements for animals to be handled humanely to minimise stress and discomfort.Individuals must hold firearms licenses if they are using firearms to euthanase livestock.Individuals must comply with national and local regulations for disposal of the carcass.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Prepare for euthanasia
  • 1.1 Confirm criteria for decision to destroy livestock according to workplace procedures and seek approval of supervisor
  • 1.2 Confirm the method selected to destroy livestock is suitable for the species according to animal welfare and codes of practice requirements
  • 1.3 Identify hazards and risks and implement safe working practices to manage risks
  • 1.4 Select, fit, use and maintain personal protective equipment (PPE) applicable to the task
  • 1.5 Select, check and prepare equipment and materials required to complete the euthanasia
  • 1.6 Identify environmental and public safety risks associated with the euthanasia
  • 1.7 Obtain licences and permits required to complete euthanasia where necessary
2. Carry out euthanasia of animal
  • 2.1 Handle and transport equipment appropriately and safely
  • 2.2 Handle and restrain animal using good stock handling techniques and according to animal welfare practices
  • 2.3 Euthanase animal in a quick and painless way
  • 2.4 Check animal to ensure it is dead
  • 2.5 Destroy animals that have not been euthanased immediately, in a humane manner according to animal welfare practices
3. Carry out post-euthanasia procedures
  • 3.1 Handle and prepare carcass to be used for research or commercial purposes according to workplace requirements
  • 3.2 Dispose of carcass not to be used for research or commercial purposes according to legislative and workplace requirements
  • 3.3 Clean and store equipment, materials and PPE according to workplace procedures
  • 3.4 Identify and report unserviceable equipment and PPE according to workplace procedures
  • 3.5 Record and report animal and euthanasia details according to workplace procedures
No information
No information
Replaces
State Code National Code Title Type
BAP44 AHCLSK307 Euthanase livestock Unit of competency