Legal responsibilities of veterinary professionals when working with wildlife centres

摘要

Injured or orphaned animals are frequently presented by members of the general public to veterinary surgeons working in general practice in the UK. After some form of veterinary intervention and treatment, suitable cases can be rehabilitated, usuallyat a wildlife centre, before being released back to the wild. Wild animals in the UK are included in the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and the Veterinary Medicines Regulations, therefore Registered veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses have legal as well as ethical responsibility for their care. In order to ensure full care to the point of successful release of suitable cases back to the wild, a good collaborative working relationship between veterinary professionals and wildlife rescue centres is essential.