AS 5350.1:2022 – Privately contracted security anddetection dogs Part 1: Acquisition, welfare, training, deployment and retirement.
3.3 FIve freedoms framework
The following has been reproduced and modified with permission from RSPCA Australia’s knowledge base.
This document is underpinned by the principles of the Five Freedoms of animal welfare as follows:
(a) Freedom from thirst, hunger and malnutrition by providing ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour.
(b) Freedom from discomfort and exposure by providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
(c) Freedom from pain, injury, and disease by prevention or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
(d) Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions and treatment, which avoid mental suffering.
(e) Freedom to express normal behaviour by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animal’s own kind.
jSOURCE: RSPCA Australia, What are the five freedoms of animal welfare, modified.)
NOTE Refer to relevant legislation for requirements relating to the health and wellbeing olanimals.
Policies and procedures relating to the health and welfare of security dogs should be developed through consultation between security dog facilities and their nominated veterinary practices. Facilities with security dogs should have a formal relationship with a veterinarian or veterinary practice that includes the provision of 24 hr emergency care.
3.4 Care
3.4.1 Daily care
Security dogs shall be physically examined and groomed on a daily basis by a person competent (1.3.4) in managing and caring for dogs.
Security dogs shall be visually evaluated at least twice daily by a person competent (1.14) in canine
training or behaviour for signs of illness, stress or poor welfare. Such signs include —
(a) changes in appetite, thirst or demeanour;
(b) discharges from ears, eyes or genitals;
(c) swellings; or
(d) lameness.
If a dog is exhibiting signs of illness, stress or poor welfare, a veterinarian may be required to assess the dog.
The environment and daily routine of each dog shall be monitored to ensure the dog’s requirements are met. The results shall be documented in the dog’s records.
3.4.2 Weekly care
The following information shall be summarized weekly In each dog’s record:
a) Body condition score (BCS), see Clause 3.6.3.
(b) Eating and drinking habits.
(c) Urination and defecation routine. e.g. frequency, volume, colour and consistency.
(d) For a bitch, the interval and length of her season.
NOTE Female dogs in heat or In season should not he deployed for work.
(e) Resting heart and breathing rate.
(f Gait patterns.
(g) Energy levels.
(h) Behaviour.
3.4.3 Monthly care
The record of each dog shall be reviewed and monitored on a monthly basis for any trends (e.g. an increase or decrease in body condition that may indicate a developing problem). Any abnormalities are noted and investigated in consultation with the nominated veterinarian, see CLtuiv15.
3.4.4 Stress reduction and stress management
Security dogs shall be housed and raised in a stress-free environment. Abrupt changes to their living situations and other sources of stress should be avoided.
EXAMPI.E Noise, crowding, unfamiliar people, other animals, long work periods, unpredictable routines, insufficient time to rest, recover, toilet, play, or socialize with other dogs and people.
A stress-free cnvronrnent results in positive outcomes for dogs: sound mental health facilitates their learning and training, Dogs exposed to stressful environments experience poorer learning and training outcomes which impacts negatively on their deployment.
3.5 Health records
Clear, up-to-date and easily accessible records shall be kept for each dog.