CHAPTER 13: PUBLIC HEALTH
General
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Rescue must maintain compliance with applicable federal and provincial occupational and safety regulations regarding chemical, biological, and physical hazards in the workplace.
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Hearing protection must be provided for anyone working in loud environments.
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Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, smocks, goggles, masks, etc. must provided by the rescue in order to protect personnel from exposure to chemical and biological agents.
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PPE must be available in sizes to accommodate all personnel, including those with special concerns such as latex allergies.
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Any staff (volunteer or unpaid) requires WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) training if they will be in contact with biological or chemical hazards (e.g., fecal matter, disinfecting products).
Zoonoses
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Enclosures of animals with suspected zoonotic disease must be clearly marked to indicate the condition and any necessary precautions.
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Animal-Related Injuries
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Personnel must be able to identify potential rabies exposures and understand the regulations that apply to reporting and managing bites to humans and animals.
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To identify possible rabies exposures, everyone presenting an animal must be asked if the animal has bitten anyone within the last 10 days or had any contact with wildlife.
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Clear policies must be developed and enforced regarding the management of animals with behavioural concerns.
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The cages of animals known to be aggressive or potentially dangerous must be clearly marked to advise caution.
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Alternate housing must be provided after 10 days for any animal housed in an enclosure that would require that dogs be removed by use of a control pole or cats be removed using nets or tongs for daily cleaning or care.
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A thorough investigation of individual circumstances must be undertaken before consideration is given to re-homing an animal with a history of biting or threatening behaviour.
UNACCEPTABLE
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Animals housed beyond the legally required hold time in an enclosure that requires dogs to be removed by use of a control pole or cats to be removed using nets or tongs for daily cleaning or care.
Resources
Attard, Esther, et al. “Canadian Standards of Care in Animal Shelters: Supporting ASV Guidelines.” Canadian Veterinary Medical Association.
www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/canadian-standards-of-care-in-animal-shelters
“Best Management Practices for Animal Shelter and Rescue in the Province of Alberta.” Alberta Animal Health Source. Alberta Veterinary Medical Association.
www.albertaanimalhealthsource.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/shelterstandardsbooklet.pdf
Government of Saskatchewan, Rabies.
https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/health/diseases-and-conditions/rabies