Assistance Animals Consultation questions - Victorian Law Reform ...

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It is important to note that the Minister’s advisory committee must be equipped and qualified to make recommendations to prescribe a training organisation. Perhaps another pertinent question to ask is “How/Who will be responsible to monitor and review the prescribed training organisation” I have noted section 5.89 and agree that the BAW should undertake this area. Consultation Questions 5 Which organisations should be eligible for approval by the Minister as an ‘assistance animal organisation’ • Should ‘assistance animal organisation’ status be limited to formal training organisations or should private trainers be included as well Private trainers can be included providing they can demonstrate that they operate under the same guidelines and standards as any other approved training organisation. • How should self-trainers be covered By demonstrating that they operate under the same guidelines and standards as any other approved training organisation. • How might the issue of the cost of training and testing for informally trained assistance animals be dealt with W.A.A.D Inc assists clients who prefer to train the dog themselves. However, these clients must adhere to our standards for training etc and must meet the required level before being considered for accreditation. Funding for private clients remains the responsibility of the client however, W.A.A.D Inc will assist with fundraising initiatives where possible and appropriate. • How can inequities be avoided if all animals must be tested by an approved assistance animal organisation A nationally standardised policy would eliminate inequities. • Should national or interstate training organisations be eligible for approved status in Victoria If not, why not Yes. Not all assistance dog training organisations provide the same service. Eg WAAD may provide a Victorian client with autism dog if no Victorian training organisation can meet the client’s need. 6.6. Do you support the development of guidelines for assessing applications by organisations seeking approval as an ‘assistance animal organisation Yes. Please see attached copy of WAAD Constitution (Objects of Association) and endorsement letter. • Should the guidelines simply require membership of a relevant international or national body that has its own standards, or should generic standards also be included in the guidelines More importantly is who/how/what factors implement the guidelines. ADI has already set minimum standards- why re-invent the wheel. 2
7.7. Should the Bureau of Animal Welfare administer the approval system Yes What resources will they need to fulfil this role Powers to temporarily close org operations until approved standards are met; powers to seize animals in danger/harm or danger/harm to public; Yes 8.8. Do you support the development of regulations setting out a ‘public access test’ for assistance animals Yes 9.9. Do you agree that an assistance animal must pass a ‘public access test’ by an approved organisation to be declared a ‘trained’ assistance animal Consultation Questions 8-9 Do you agree that an assistance animal must be trained to an appropriate level of skill by an approved organisation to be regarded as a ‘trained’ assistance animal under Victorian law yes Do you support the development of regulations defining what is an appropriate level of training and skill for assistance animals yes • Who should be consulted in developing such regulations Eg ADI; industry accredited legal assessors • What sorts of issues should the regulations cover Assessment by legal assessors 10.10. Is a registration scheme necessary Should assistance animals be registered with the local council Yes • Is the registration system proposed by the commission workable in practice yes Is there a better way to manage the registration of assistance animals Microchip registration- CAR database of assistance animals and in training yes 11.11. Is an identification scheme necessary Should a person with an assistance animal be required to carry a standard ID card for the animal • What are the advantages and disadvantages of that approach Definite authentication of assistance canine • Is the issuing of an identity card by the local council the best way to administer the identity scheme Yes. Is there a better way to achieve the aim of having an easily 3
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Assistance Animals Consultation questions - Victorian Law Reform ...

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