CORSHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL Animal Welfare Policy Reviewed: September 2016 Policy Ratified by the Governing Body: September 2015 Next Review Date: September 2017
Animal Welfare Policy 1. Introduction/Background Livestock kept in the school may come into contact with people who may have little or no experience of basic matters relating to keeping animals. The purpose of this policy is to provide basic information covering the welfare of animals. It also provides instruction for adults working with animals. This policy does not cover arrangements for children coming in contact with animals. This policy must be read in conjunction with the Health and Safety Policy. Recognising the limited experience that staff will have in keeping animals, the adult responsible for the animals must monitor the livestock carefully and frequently as practical (at least twice daily am and pm and make adequate provisions for animal welfare out of normal school operating hours ). 2. The Five Freedoms The welfare of an animal includes its physical and mental state and we consider that good animal welfare implies both fitness and a sense of well-being. Any animal kept by man, must at least, be protected from unnecessary suffering. The Farm Animal Welfare Council Recommends Five Freedoms: Freedom from Thirst, Hunger and Malnutrition All livestock should have fresh, clean and easily accessible drinking water available to them at all times. They should have a nutritionally well balanced diet available to them, suitable to their type, age, weight and condition. Freedom from Discomfort All animals should be provided with housing appropriate to its type, size and temperament. The housing should be draught proof, waterproof and well ventilated. The housing should be kept clean and supplied with appropriate clean bedding. 1 of 5
Freedom from Pain, Injury or Disease All livestock should be monitored daily to ensure their state of health and well being and that they are behaving normally. If an animal gives cause for concern, or is unwell then appropriate treatment should be given or the advice of a vet sought. Animals should be examined by a vet if such action is deemed necessary. Records should be kept of any medication administered and any animal movement onto or off the school premises. Freedom to Express Normal Behaviour The livestock s environment should enable them to fulfil their normal behavioural needs (e.g. scratching, stretching, dust bathing). Wherever possible animals should be kept in groups of two or more, or if this is not possible, then housed within sight and sound of other animals. Freedom from Fear and Distress Visitors, children within the school and specific children who are caring for the animals must not mishandle the livestock. Unnecessary force must NOT be used when handling the animals. For all animals under the care of Corsham Primary School, we will consult with people or organisations with the relevant experience of those animals to ensure we abide by the 5 freedoms. These people or organisation may include (but not be restricted to): RSPCA, Vets, National Societies, Animal Handling clubs, members of the farming community. Any recommendations from these people or organisations will be documented and, if necessary, used as training materials for pupils, staff and anyone else who is likely to come into contact with the animals. 3. Compliance with DEFRA Requirements Registration of livestock All schools wishing to keep large animals, (pigs, goats and sheep) must register with DEFRA and be given a holding number which you need to quote on all communications with them. Record keeping about livestock The school is legally required to keep an animal file with all relevant details recorded such as animal movement to and from the premises and medicines administered. 2 of 5
Storage of feed All feed has to be kept separate in bins which are clearly labelled and have their own dedicated scoop so that there is no cross contamination of feed. Access for inspections DEFRA will regularly inspect the school with regard for animal welfare. Health and Safety Issues Certain disease carried by animals can also affect humans. Members of staff and children who are in contact with the animals should be made aware if this: 4. Management arrangements Head Teachers is a term used to describe the senior leadership team in the organisation. It will include but may not be limited to the CEO, Senior Head, Heads of School and their deputies The Headteachers will ensure that the necessary arrangements are in place for maintaining animal welfare and the management of health and safety associated with having animals on site. This will include: Designating members of staff to be responsible for fulfilling duties associated with this policy. Maintaining compliance with DEFRA requirements and providing access to facilities and records 4.1 Legal Requirements to assess the risks to prevent, or where this is not possible to adequately control, exposure to risk to inform, train and instruct the school community about the risks and the precautions to be taken 4.2 Precautions to be taken Fencing and signage A double-fenced area to be in place and clear warning signs to be displayed at all times. These signs will warn of not feeding or trying to touch the animals. Good hygiene Everyone involved in working with the animals, or visiting them should follow the principles of good hygiene to minimise risk. The following procedures should be followed: 3 of 5
4.3 Specific instructions to be followed when working with animals Adults working with animals should: Be aware of the risks associated with working with animals and take necessary precautions to mitigate such risks. Cover any cuts or abrasions with a waterproof dressing before beginning work Wear appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear and always wear protective gloves Immediately wash in running water any injuries sustained whilst working and report the injury immediately to the appropriate adult who will assess the injury and give first aid. All injuries to be covered with a waterproof dressing and medical advice to be passed on to parents/carers as necessary Only use the food scoop that is provided with each feed bin with that specific feed to avoid cross contamination of feed When cleaning soled bedding etc., always wear protective gloves (e.g. rubber, plastic) Dispose of animal waste and soiled bedding safely, in the compost heap or in sealed plastic sacks which are then placed in the appropriate bins Do not enter the building wearing boots or shoes that have been worn for animal work Do not eat food intended for the animals Do not feed the animals anything other then their regulated diet Undertake any disinfecting that may need to be done, in particular in the summer months to the rabbit hutches and guinea pig cages Regularly undertake the disinfecting of the feed scoops to ensure that there is no contamination of feed and that scoops are always attached securely to the appropriate bin Ensure that feed is stored in metal bins with secure lids and that extra stored feed is always stored appropriately in the storage shed Maintain adequate stocks of materials required to keep animals including for personal human hygiene to maintain health and safety. Inform others in the school community of risks and precautions to be taken 4.4 Precautions to be taken by everyone working with or handling animals *ALWAYS WASH AND DRY HANDS AFTER WORKING WITH, OR HANDLING THE ANIMALS, EVEN WHEN PROTECTIVE GLOVES HAVE BEEN WORN AND USE THE BIOCIDAL SOAP THAT IS PROVIDED SPECIFICALLY FOR ANIMAL CARERS BY THE OUTSIDE SINK NEAR THE FRONT ENTRANCE. 4 of 5
DO NOT EAT WHILE CARING FOR OR HANDLING THE ANIMALS ONLY CLEAN HANDS SHOULD BE PUT IN MOUTHS OR HANDLE FOOD! Equal Opportunities When writing and reviewing this policy staff have completed an Equality and Diversity Impact Assessment in order to ensure it complies with equality obligations outlined in anti-discrimination legislation. We believe the policy positively reflects the aims and ambitions identified in Corsham Primary s Single Equality Scheme. 5 of 5