DVN PP AW Legislation globally

Hawaii

Code of Ethics comes under the NAVTA.

Simalarities: animal welfare, high standard of care, client confidentiallity, CE.

Differences: Holding accountability for their actions, preventing zoonotic diseases, contributing to body of knowledge.

Easy to find: fairly easy, had to go through a few regulatory sites.

Hawaii is trying to implement registration of vet techs similair to nurses here so cross crediting of qualifications would be needed once this is passed.

Vietnam

I couldn't find a lot of info on legislation but looking at volunteer positions and job opportunities through reputable companies (Animals Asia) they require you to have a vet nurse qualification (although they don't specify what type - certificate/ diploma etc which is the same as New Zealand (at this stage). There is not a lot of info at all on veterinary legislation in Vietnam but I imagine the laws would be less strict than in New Zealand because it is still a developing country. Vietnam is an F compared to New Zealand (A) on the World Animal Protection chart. The veterinary law is still in a draft progress at this stage and their is still no laws against animal suffering at this stage which shows vet care is not a huge priority in Vietnam. If I was to work as a vet nurse in Vietnam I would work with a well know charity like Animals Asia which have requirements (recognized qualification and experience working in a vet nurse role)

South Africa

Their Animal Welfare legislation is very short an contains the general information you would expect. If you compare it to NZ our covers so much and South Africa's ranking is a D

It overalls covers that no suffering (ie. nutrition, chaining, poison, housing conditions, health) may occur to an animal and animals are those that are domestic, birds, wild animals, reptiles or any animal under the control of humans. Fish are not include and nor are wild animals that are in their natural state.

As for nursing regulations you have to be a registered nurse with their Council in order to practice. They have very particular rules that are set out very clearly point-for-point on what you can and cannot do within the profession. It is so clear it even tells you what your dress code should be as a vet nurse! I found it great to see just a clearly set out document with all the listed procedures a Vet Nurse may or may not do. It sure was an interesting read on the differences between SA & NZ

Japan

• What were the most interesting similarities you found between legislation in your chosen country and New Zealand?

Currently in Japan, it is possible to be accredited as a registered VN (RVN) but this is not necessary in order to practice as a VN (similarly to NZ). In terms of legislation, both the Japanese Act on Welfare and Management of Animals (1973) and The Animal Welfare Act (1999) recognise animals as living beings who have the ability to feel pain. However, farm animals and aquatic life such as fish are not recognised in the Japanese Animal Welfare Act (1999).

• What were the most interesting differences you found between legislation in your chosen country and New Zealand?

Japan has a ‘D’ rating on the Animal Protection Index, whereas New Zealand has an ‘A’ which is obviously much higher.

The Japanese Act on Welfare and Management of Animals (1973) incorporates an article stating that ‘Be Kind to Animals Week’ must occur every year, between September 20-26.

• Were you able to find clear answers/guidelines on the topics that you chose to research?

There was a clear language barrier as I attempted to research various aspects of Animal Welfare and Veterinary Care in Japan.

• What would the differences in legislation and/or ease of learning about legislation mean in terms of the way you would approach working as a VN in your chosen country?

Because of the clear language barrier, anyone considering working in Japan as a VN would need to seriously consider becoming fluent in Japanese, not only in order to become familiar with relevant legislation, but to effectively and efficiently work with other staff and clients in a Japanese Veterinary clinic setting. An awareness for various religious and cultural differences would also need to be taken into account.

Title your sticky with the country name and add what you found out to the board.