Seton Butler, VCNZ

Walking on the wild(life) side

VCNZ’s Seton Butler introduces a guide to dealing with injured wildlife.

IN CONSULTATION WITH Kate McInnes at the Department of Conservation (DOC), I’ve tried to simplify the complex decision-making process for veterinary teams when they’re faced with injured wildlife in the clinic (see summarised chart below).

Importantly, all wildlife in New Zealand is considered protected unless specifically listed as not protected in the schedules of the Wildlife Act 1953 (it’s not as simple as ‘native animals are protected’). The schedules include species declared as pests, such as possums and stoats, species that are not protected, such as exotic passerines, and even native species that can be hunted at certain times of year. Endangered species should absolutely not be released without DOC involvement.

I encourage you to read the Wildlife Act at www.legislation.govt.nz. DOC has a 24/7 hotline if you need advice on managing wildlife cases. Note that marine mammals are managed under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978, and you should always contact DOC immediately for advice on treating them.

YOU ARE PRESENTED WITH AN INJURED ANIMAL BY A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC AND YOU HAVE WELFARE CONCERNS

Is the animal “severely injured or sick” and suffering “unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress” and, in your opinion, won’t respond to reasonable treatment? DOC before disposing of the bodies or carrying out postmortem examinations.

Identify the species. For threatened (endangered) species, consider referral or seeking advice from experienced wildlife veterinarians.

No Yes

No or it’s considered a pest

Consider animal welfare obligations and regional pest management plans –consider destruction.

Not Is the animal a protected/partially protected or taonga species? (See Wildlife Act 1953)

Yes/don't know The Animal Welfare Act, section 138, takes precedence in these situations and allows for prompt euthanasia/destruction* by a veterinarian. The Animal Welfare Act sets an expectation of an attempt to consult the owner.** * ‘Destruction’ applies to killing stray, unsocialised, frightened and distressed animals ** The owner of protected wildlife is DOC acting on behalf of the Crown in partnership with iwi

No

Is the animal in need of immediate care to relieve pain and distress to ensure its welfare?

Yes

Address the immediate pain and suffering by administering pain relief and first aid. Veterinarians are not expected to perform extensive, costly procedures on wildlife.

The bodies of native animals who die or are killed have multiple possible uses (return to iwi, museum specimens or postmortem examinations) – liaise with protected

Animal (now) appears stable/healthy. Establish contact with DOC and liaise on treatment. Consider ongoing medical or welfare needs – has the animal fully recovered?

Poor survival prognosis

Release – only if they’re fit for return to the wild; to their original site if it is safe and suitable. Consider involving DOC.

Yes No

Transfer care and responsibility to permitted rehabilitation or captivity centre.

NZVA WILDLIFE CONFERENCE