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Caring for Animals Policy V4

References:

Licensing Criteria for Early Childhood Education and Care Centres 2008, HS112 Ministry of Health, Animal Welfare Act 1999.

 

Statement of Intent:

As a preschool, we recognise the positive aspects and learning opportunities of interactions between animals and tamariki. We will set an example for tamariki of what it means to love and care for animals and the responsibility involved. We aim to create a safe and healthy learning environment for tamariki.

 

It is essential that any animals kept at our preschool are managed and cared for in a way that ensures the risk of the animal infecting or harming a tamaiti is significantly minimised. We acknowledge that animals may pose some health and safety risks, so have a policy in place to minimise these. The welfare of the animal will be given high priority.

 

General:

  • The day-to-day care of animals will be governed by the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and the Five Freedoms:

  • Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition

  • Freedom from discomfort and lack of shelter

  • Freedom from Injury, disease and parasite infestation

  • Freedom from distress

  • Freedom to display their normal patterns of behavior

  • The Head Kaiako will only allow clean, healthy and easily restrained animals on the premises

  • Animals that are suitable include guinea pigs, rabbits, mice, rats, fish, frogs, lizards and small birds

  • Animals shall not be permitted in the kitchen, bathrooms or toilets.

  • Every endeavour will be made to deter animals from sandpits and bark under surfacing

  • We will ensure that animals are supplied with a good, healthy living environment including at weekends and holidays.

 

Procedures:

  • The responsibility for the welfare of animals kept at this preschool, rests with kaiako

  • All animal living conditions are maintained to a high standard of cleanliness

  • Any animal faecal matter and offensive body wastes outside of the animal’s cage will be cleaned up and disposed of immediately or early as possible with the area disinfected

  • It is the responsibility of kaiako to ensure that all tamariki who have had contact with any animal wash their hands immediately after contact with that animal and prior to eating or drinking

  • The animal will be removed from the premises and treated at the first sign of any illness. This is a legislative responsibility.

  • Animal food will be stored so that it is clearly distinguishable from human food.

  • ​

Date: November 2024

Next review date: October 2026

Version 4 Nov 2024

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