ACMBEH407 — Conduct animal behavioural assessments

Elements & performance criteria

Performance evidence

• identified and reviewed at least two different assessment tools relevant to the workplace or species, identifying strengths and limitations of each
• conducted a behavioural assessment for four individual animals, documenting objective descriptions of each animal’s behaviour and the decision making process, for: two animals that require minimal further action or behaviour management; one animal that requires a structured program on a specific area identified from the assessment outcome; one animal that requires a more rigorous program on a specific area that necessitates referral to other suitable personnel
• handled or interacted with each animal in a safe, low stress manner, using appropriate equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) where required
• completed all required workplace documentation for each assessment conducted

Knowledge evidence

• species-specific behavioural characteristics of animals relevant to workplace, including: recognising body language and signs of likely emotional states; context-appropriate versus maladaptive or undesirable behaviour; general signs of animal condition, welfare and health status; identification of animals, including physical features, microchipping or relevant documentation
• types of and reasons for conducting behavioural assessments, including: rehoming or adoption; activity-specific or work roles
• potential sources of behavioural information on individual animals, including: owners/carers, including those who may be surrendering animals; finders (of stray animals); staff/volunteers; veterinarians; observations from play groups/socialisation and husbandry activities
• methods for collecting behavioural information, including observations, interviews and surveys
• factors to consider that can impact behavioural assessments, including: physical and social context; animal’s health and wellbeing; current emotional state; presence or absence of individual with existing social bond with animal
• animal behaviour and assessment theory, including: principles of animal behaviour and communication; animal personality and coping behaviours; objective observation of context and behaviours; features of best practice behavioural assessments; limitations of common assessment tools
• behaviours that may indicate an increased likelihood that the assessment conditions are compromised, or the animal is not in a fit welfare state to undertake the assessment, including: fearful responses to people, other animals and/or specific stimuli; reactivity, including to assessment environment; signs of stress; signs of pain or ill health
• safety working with animals, including: hazard identification; risk assessments – environmental and behaviour; safe environments for individual and/or groups of animals; species-specific equipment – muzzles, collars, leads, towel wraps or crates; correct fit and use of PPE; infection control and zoonoses; strategies for personal psychological health and safety
• workplace procedures for: conducting assessments, including for individual and/or groups of animals, single and/or multi-stage processes and types of information to be gathered; species-specific low stress and defensive handling techniques
• key principles of animal welfare
• key features of current state and local government regulations or requirements relating to: specific species or breeds; registration, microchipping and containment; health and welfare requirements; requirements of relevant record-keeping system

Foundation skills

• Reading: Interpret relevant regulations, workplace procedures, criteria and tools for conducting animal behavioural assessments
• Writing: Use industry terminology accurately to complete records for internal and external purposes
• Oral communication: Use open-ended questioning and active listening in discussions with owners/caretakers

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Questions about assessing ACMBEH407