The RAPTOR RESCUE Rehabilitation Handbook and 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 Old Code of Practice
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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 New Joint Rehabilitation Handbook and Code of Practice
2008 saw the introduction of the new joint Rehabilitation Handbook and Code of Practice which has just (2010) been brought up-to-date with current legislation. It has been produced in consultation with Defra, Animal Health, Scottish Government, Welsh Assembly Government, Northern Ireland DOE, RSPCA, SSPCA, National Crime Unit and Police Wildlife Crime Officers. This complete handbook includes vital information for birds of prey and owl rehabilitators with chapters on facilities, husbandry, casualties and legislation. A number of useful forms are included and these can be downloaded for individual use. The information can be accessed below; it has been split into its various sections for ease of reference. |
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Contents: