New Protocols, Training, and Tranquilizers Advised by Province to Aid Officers
OutdoorHub 07.23.13
Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship advises new protocols are being introduced to make euthanasia a last resort if injured or orphaned wildlife are not able to be rehabilitated.
In addition, more training for conservation officers in the humane handling of wildlife will be provided and more tranquilizer kits will support officers when helping injured or orphaned wild animals.
The new rules include:
- requirements for authorization from a superior officer for determining if euthanasia is required,
- avoiding euthanizing animals in a public area where there is no immediate safety risk,
- approved methods of handling wildlife in situations that pose an immediate danger to the public or officer safety,
- steps for staff to take when the public reports orphaned, abandoned or injured wildlife,
- a process for determining the likelihood an orphaned animal can be rehabilitated, and
- guidelines for the humane capture and relocation of an animal.
Euthanizing an animal will only be considered as a last resort and will require approval from a superior officer.
The department is also providing more tranquilizer kits for regional staff and expanding the classification of species that can be safely tranquilized to include deer, elk and moose in addition to black bears.
Conservation officers have already started training sessions for the new protocols and the use of tranquilizer equipment.
Wildlife is best left alone. However, there may be some situations where wildlife does require help. To report orphaned or injured wildlife, contact the Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship tip line at 1-800-782-0076 (toll-free) or call the nearest Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship District Office.
For more information on injured and orphaned wildlife, visit www.gov.mb.ca/conservation/wildlife/orphinj/inj.html.
The new rules adhere to the Canadian Council on Animal Care guidelines. For more information about the Canadian Council on Animal Care standards and guidelines, visit http://ccac.ca/.
HIGHLIGHTS OF NEW OFFICER PROTOCOLS
If a call is received about orphaned animals that are not posing a threat to public safety, the new protocol includes advising the public not to disturb the site. Wildlife should be left in the wild wherever possible. If needed, officers will go to the site and make an assessment.
Based on the situation, the animal may be:
- captured and released at another location,
- sent to an accredited and appropriate rehabilitation facility, or
- sent to an accredited facility permanently.
When wildlife is injured and an officer is sent to the scene, an assessment is done to determine the animal’s ability to survive in the wild or if it would be a suitable candidate for rehabilitation.
Based on the situation, the animal may be:
- released at another location,
- sent to an accredited and appropriate rehabilitation facility, or
- sent to an accredited facility permanently.
Euthanizing the animal will be considered if an animal is seriously injured. In the case of an orphaned animal when no other options are available, euthanizing an animal will require approval from a superior officer.
Necessary equipment and materials must be obtained and prepared before capturing or restraining wildlife.
In cases where the wildlife is seriously injured and appears unlikely to recover or poses an immediate danger to the public or officer safety, then euthanasia may be required. Wildlife will be euthanized by an officer out of public view, depending on human safety.
