Code of Practice

It has always been a major priority for Raptor Rescue to promote high standards of care and responsibility for the treatment of injured and sick Birds of Prey.

Changes to the Wildlife and Countryside Act prompted the Raptor Rescue Trustees to become the first organisation concerned solely with birds of prey to establish such written standards. After extensive consultation with active rehabilitators, carers, avian specialists and veterinary advisors, both from within and outside Raptor Rescue, the Charity published the first Guidance Notes and Code of Practice for Raptor Rehabilitators that set out minimum standards and working practices.

The initial 36-page booklet published in 1999 was welcomed by all people and organisations involved in work with wild raptors; so much so it has required a number of reprints and each time it has been reviewed, updated and revised.

The Guidance Notes and Code of Practice is now in wide circulation across the world and has resulted in contacts from Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, India, Italy, Malta, Romania, South Africa, South Korea and Spain.

Similarly, in the UK, copies have been provided to major political parties and to Government departments as well as to leading NGOs, such as Scottish SPCA, RSPCA, the Hawk Board, etc. The publication has also been recognised from submissions to UK Animal Welfare Bill consultation process as the leading set of standards for raptor rehabilitation.

The Code of Practice also introduced the Raptor Rescue Approved Rehabilitator Status and the minimum requirements to achieve approval.

Contents

Chapter One
Facilities, Transport Boxes, Treatment/Examination Area, Intensive Care Units, Intermediate Accommodation, Recovery Aviaries.

Chapter Two
Husbandry Hygiene and Disease, Food, Emergency First Aid Equipment, Falconry Equipment.

Chapter Three
Admissions, Initial Examination, Shock Therapy, Full Examination, Euthanasia, Supportive Treatment, Records.

Chapter Four
Casualties, Orphans and Juveniles, Short Stay Cases, Long Stay Cases, Captive Bred Birds.

Chapter Five
Rehabilitation, General, Traditional Hack, Hackboard, Aviary Hack (or Lock-up), Lure Hack, Kite Hack, Full Falconry Hack.

Chapter Six
Minimum Requirements for Raptor Rescue Approved Status.

Chapter Seven
A Guide to Relevant Law
Appendix A - Schedule 4
Appendix B - Further Reading
Appendix C - Annex A

Chapter Eight
Raptor Rescue Euthanasia Policy
Fund raising rules and code of practice for display of live birds.

PLEASE NOTE: The guidelines we issue are advisory only and have no force of law.

Copies of the Code are available from the Secretary at a cost of £2.50. For ordering instructions, please contact us at: info@raptorrescue.org.uk.