L to R: Caroline Allen, RSPCA Officer Christine McNeil and Merry Smith
BEVA Introduces Welfare Case Toolkit For Members
5 years ago 
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BEVA has developed a one-stop shop for horse vets to help them navigate welfare cases with confidence. Launched this month the practical Welfare Case Toolkit has been developed in conjunction with the RSPCA and includes a welfare workflow and quick download guides and welfare case forms. It can be accessed here .
Being called out to a welfare case to assess immediate veterinary needs is part of an ambulatory vet’s role and they may also be required to act as a witness.
“Welfare assessments can sometimes be intimidating and it’s natural to feel vulnerable, particularly when circumstances are difficult”, said Merry Smith, BEVA council member who led the project on behalf of BEVA. “Our new Welfare Case Toolkit gives you access to the information and resources, even when you are on the road, to support you in dealing with a welfare case”.
The interactive Welfare Workflow provides a step-by-step guide to what happens when a vet is called upon to provide an opinion on the health and welfare of the animals involved. It has been produced in a mobile-friendly format or can be printed out and kept in the car. Supporting the Workflow is a series of quick downloads, covering all aspects of the process:
· Approach to the welfare case
· Letter of instruction
· Section 18 of the Animal Welfare Act (2006) certificate
· Witness details sheet
· Witness statement form
· RSPCA vet exam form
· Guidance notes on how to complete a vet exam welfare case form
Caroline Allen, Chief Veterinary Officer at the RSPCA said: "Vets are absolutely critical to the work of the RSPCA and while we know many vets get a lot of satisfaction from this work saving animals from cruelty and suffering, we know that this work can sometimes be daunting and the law confusing. We are delighted to have worked with BEVA on providing this guidance and hope it is the first step in us providing more support to vets doing this vital work- we literally couldn't do it without you"
The Welfare Case Toolkit is available free to BEVA members https://www.beva.org.uk/Resources-For-Vets-Practices/Clinical-Practice-Guidance/Welfare-guidance/Welfare-toolkit
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