Wildlife must be fully rehabilitated before being released. The risks of releasing wildlife not fully rehabilitated include starvation because they don’t know how to locate food, harassment and competition from other animals, injuries or death from interactions with hostile resident wildlife or predators (e.g. cats) that they don’t know to fear, or exposure to the elements due to their inability to find shelter. If wildlife is unable to be rehabilitated the responsible decision (although difficult) is to euthanise it to prevent further pain. Before attempting to rehabilitate an animal, the long-term welfare of the individual must be carefully considered. The stress of treating the animal must be justified, taking into consideration resource availability and potential for future population management at the release site.

####### Hand-rearing young

Although hand-rearing young animals can be a rewarding experience, it should be carefully considered as it may not be the most humane option for the animal in the long-term. Survival rates of very young animals that come into care are low. This is particularly true for mammals who are not developed to a stage where their eyes are open, ears are up, or have not yet developed fur. It is difficult for marsupials of this development stage to develop a strong immune system without their mother. Attempts to hand-rear marsupials at this development stage often results in abnormalities of their immune system. This compromises the health and wellbeing of the animal as it is unable to defend itself sufficiently against infection and the development of disease.

Hand-reared animals also have a higher death rate in the wild than wild animals, as it is very difficult for humans to teach young animals all the necessary survival skills and behaviours. This means that once the animal is released it may struggle to integrate into wild populations or be disadvantaged when competing for food, territory and mates. Hand-reared animals often fall prey to predators, as they have not learnt to recognise predators such as dogs and foxes and therefore do not have the appropriate flight response to escape. Hand-reared animals may also become dangerous as adults. Due to their familiarity with humans, they may attack people if they think the person has food.

Condition 10 You must arrange for wildlife to be euthanised, in accordance with condition 9, by a registered veterinary practitioner where it is practical to do so. You must euthanise wildlife promptly, in accordance with condition 11, where it is impractical to take the wildlife to a registered veterinary practitioner. You must never release wildlife requiring euthanasia, in accordance with condition 9, back into the wild.

######## Objective

To ensure the timely and humane euthanasia of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife that should not be rehabilitated.

######## How to comply

Overdose by a barbiturate anaesthetic is the preferred method of euthanasia and, under the requirements of the Veterinary Practice Act 1997 and the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Regulations 2017, must only be performed by registered veterinary practitioners. Registered veterinary practitioners should be utilised where euthanasia is required wherever possible, however you should also ensure that you are able and prepared to euthanise wildlife in accordance with condition 11 when required.

Condition 11

Wildlife Shelter and Foster Carer Authorisation Guide – V5.00 July 2019

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