Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables explains the range of contexts within which the performance and knowledge requirements of this unit may be assessed. The scope of variables chosen in training and assessment may depend on the work contexts.

What might assessing the situation involve?
Assessment of a given situation might include the consideration of:
members of the public and their safety
safety of self and team members
safety and welfare of the animal to be seized
environment, including residential property, public facility, open space, roads, etc
circumstance such as an aggressive animal, crowded place, time of day, etc
provision for backup if required
type, size and number of animals to be seized
health and wellbeing of animals to be seized.
It may also involve making a decision, in consultation with supervisor, veterinarian or others, as to whether the animal should be destroyed during the seizure process.

What is the purpose of seizing an animal?
An animal may be seized to ensure safety to the community or to the animal itself (e.g. due to an animal's aggressive behaviour) or for legislative reasons such as animal wandering at large, attacks or breach of seizure orders.

What equipment could be used when seizing an animal?
Seizure equipment could include nets, catch poles, traps, leads, bribes such as food, ropes, halters, bridles and headstalls, cages and protective clothing including gloves.
Firearms, chemicals, drugs, etc should not be used as part of this unit of competency.

What are examples of safe work and OHS practices?
Safe work practices will include the use of personal protective clothing and equipment appropriate to the type of animal.
Protocols for safe work practices include animal hazard management and identification, animal handling (e.g. lifting and securing), seizure and transportation.
Animal control and regulation may expose personnel to risks such as zoonoses and the release of infective agents (both human and animal).

What destinations could there be for a seized animal?
A destination for a seized animal will depend on organisational policies and procedures and may include pounds, shelters, RSPCA, veterinary clinic for veterinary care and assistance, return to owner or wildlife carers.

What types of restraints could be used?
Leads, collars, halters, sticks, ropes, cages, harnesses, snake bags, shackles, whips and catch gear such as catch poles.
Firearms, chemicals, drugs, etc should not be used as part of this unit of competency.

What are the critical aspects of evidence required for this unit of competency as a whole?
The critical requirements that are valuable for this unit of competency as a whole are listed below.

Assessment must confirm one's ability to:

assess a situation to determine an appropriate plan for seizure and transport of animals
aim to minimise risk to animals, self, bystanders and the public at all times
seize animals using equipment appropriate to the animal and the task
apply basic first aid as required
handle animals in a safe and humane manner
apply restraints to animals
load and unload animals using safe work practices
transport animals to selected destination
assess animals for injury and / or health issues.

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit of competency are listed below and include:

equipment, methods and strategies for seizing, restraining and transporting animals
relevant legislation and codes of practice relating to the seizure, restraint and transportation of animals
organisational policies and procedures
awareness of diseases and zoonoses
recognition of animal stress and comfort
OHS hazards
understanding of animal behaviour, temperament and body language
understanding of animal's interpretation of human body language when it is being approached
basic first aid methods and techniques.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include:

ability to assess a situation to determine an appropriate plan for the seizure and transport of animals
ability to use animal seizure and restraint techniques
ability to use animal handling techniques including loading and unloading animals for transportation
ability to apply a mature approach to safe work practices on a daily basis
ability to apply basic first aid
ability to use risk management skills including identifying risks, consulting with stakeholders, modifying and reviewing processes and documenting changes
literacy skills to read and interpret relevant legislation
interpersonal skills to relate to people
oral communication skills to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning techniques, active listening, asking for clarification from third party and reporting to supervisor
problem-solving skills to use available resources and prioritise daily tasks.

What are the specific resource implications for this unit of competency?
For valid assessment, one
an appropriate workplace or an environment that reproduces normal work conditions
equipment and resources normally used in the workplace
appropriate seizure equipment
animal restraints
organisational policies and procedures
an appropriate method of transport and an appropriate destination to deliver the impounded animal.

What considerations should there be for consistency in performance?
To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.
The skills and knowledge required to

What considerations should there be for context of assessment?
Assessment for this unit of competency is to be largely practical in nature and will be most appropriately assessed in an animal control and regulation workplace.
There must be access to the appropriate equipment and / or resources to enable one to demonstrate competency.

Are there other units of competency that could be assessed with this one?
This unit of competency
RUV4201A Comply with animal control and regulation requirements
RUV4203A Identify and respond to animal behaviour

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this unit of competency. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Through discussion with supervisor, team members and peers about appropriate processes for the seizure, restraint and transport of animals. (2)

Collecting analysing and organising information
By determining the correct techniques to use in seizing, restraining and transporting animals based on the analysis of a range of information. (2)

Planning and organising activities
By coordinating and implementing a seizure plan. (3)

Working with others and in teams
By coordinating the seizure, restraint and transport of animals with supervisor, team members and peers. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
By calculating the approximate animal body weight in order to determine if backup is required to handle, lift and secure the animal. (2)

Solving problems
By analysing the behavioural and physical requirements of animals and determining the best approach to seizure. (2)

Using technology
By using mobile phone and / or radio technology to request backup and by using relevant information technology equipment to enter data into management systems. (2)