Animal Welfare Coordinator

The position of Animal Welfare Coordinator (AWC) was created as a paid part-time position within the NZVA in recognition of the increasing importance of and focus on animal welfare as a prime responsibility of the veterinary profession. The role of the AWC includes:

• General promotion of animal welfare science within the profession.
• Implementation of the NZVA Animal Welfare Strategy
• Co-ordination of Special Interest Branch input into the preparation of submissions on animal welfare matters through the Animal Welfare Focus Group
• In collaboration with the NZVA’s Resource Veterinarian, co-ordination of consultation on development and amendment of NZVA animal welfare policies
• Facilitation of nomination of members to animal welfare code-writing groups
• Liaison with Animal Welfare Group within Biosecurity NZ and the RNZSPCA, including membership of the RNZSPCA’s Animal in Science Advisory Committee (AISAC)
• Dealing with enquiries from within the profession, from industry and from the public on animal welfare matters
• Facilitation of nomination of veterinarians to animal ethics committees
• Facilitation of nomination of NZVA members for ministerial consideration for national committees such as the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (NAWAC), the National Animal Ethics Advisory Committee (NAEAC), the Australia and New Zealand Council for the Care of Animals in Research, testing and Teaching (ANZCCART) and the Animals in Schools Education Trust (AISET).
• Representation of the NZVA as Chair of the Animal Behaviour and Welfare Consultative Committee (ABWCC)
• Involvement including material preparation and lobbying in NZVA campaigns on animal welfare matters
• Drafting of NZVA correspondence on animal welfare matters
• Development and co-ordination of the Animal Welfare section on the NZVA website.