Animal welfare legislation

The legal boundaries, codes of professional conduct, national and EU regulatory frameworks and legal procedures of working with animals and living organisms, ensuring their welfare and health.

National and EU legislation relevant to occupation, regulatory body and codes of conduct. This may include animal welfare. , health and safety, risk assessment requirements and codes of conduct, especially in the areas of animal welfare, health and public health, food and environmental safety in relation with clients.

legislation when working with animals
animal health and welfare legislation
animal welfare laws
legislation on animal welfare
legal and professional responsibilities, codes of conduct and liability

knowledge

cross-sector

Animal welfare legislation is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Bee breeder: Bee breeders oversee the production and day-to-day care of bees. They maintain the health and welfare of bees.
Aquaculture hatchery manager: Aquaculture hatchery managers plan, direct, and coordinate the production in large-scale aquaculture operations to breed fish and shellfish, developing aquaculture breeding strategies using various types of spawning techniques. They control the reproduction and the early life cycle stages of cultured species. They supervise incubation, early feeding and rearing techniques of the cultured species.
Specialised veterinarian: Specialised veterinarians are professionals with a comprehensive scientific education. They have the authority to carry out, in an independent, ethical and personally responsible capacity, all aspects of veterinary medicine, in the interest of the health and welfare of animals and public health in accordance with national and international legislation. In addition they need a recognized qualification and/or experience in a specific species and/or veterinary procedure.

Veterinary specialisms are generally classified according to species and/or procedures, for example:

Species covered may include equine and zoological animals
Procedures covered may include cardiology, orthopaedics

Current lists  of specialisms and details for the specific qualifications and experience required can be found at:
http://www.ebvs.org/
https://www.avma.org/Pages/home.aspx

You are advised to contact the relevant national regulatory body for further information.
Animal massage therapist: Animal massage therapists provide a therapeutic treatment following veterinary diagnosis or referral concentrating on manual and mechanical manipulation of soft tissues to promote healing and recovery in animals in accordance with national legislation.
Animal care attendant: Animal care attendants provide routine care for non-production animals, which may include feeding, watering, cleaning, exercise and enrichment, grooming, training and monitoring of the health and welfare, in accordance with national legislation.

Animal therapist: Animal therapists provide a therapeutic treatment following veterinary diagnosis or referral.
Water-based aquaculture technician: Water-based aquaculture technicians coordinate and supervise activities on fattening aquaculture organisms in suspended systems (floating or submerged structures). They participate in extraction operations and handling organisms for commercialisation. Water-based aquaculture technicians supervise maintenance of equipment and facilities (cages, rafts, longlines, bouchot).
Fur animals breeder: Fur animals breeders oversee the production and day-to-day care of fur animals. They maintain the health and welfare of fur animals.
Horse breeder: Horse breeders oversee the production and day-to-day care of horses. They maintain the health and welfare of horses.
Animal artificial insemination technician: Animal artificial insemination technicians are in charge of the impregnation of an animal using collected semen, in accordance with national legislation.
Zoo curator: Zoo curators are usually the position of middle-management within an institution. Much of their work involves oversight, management and development of the animal collection. Often this is related to animal husbandry and welfare policy, the acquisition and disposition of zoo animals, and development of new exhibits. Zoos normally acquire animals through captive breeding programs. The zoo collection, trade, and transport of the animals is regulated by government agencies as well as guided by zoo membership organisations. Consequently, zoo curators act as a liaison between these agencies and the zoo itself. Additionally, they play an active role in the administration of zoo functions and all kinds of captive breeding programs.
Animal handler: Animal handlers are in charge of handling animals in a working role and continue the training of the animal, in accordance with national legislation.
Veterinary nurse: Veterinary nurses support animals undergoing veterinary treatment and give advice to veterinary clients in the promotion of animal health and disease prevention in accordance with national legislation.
Dog trainer: Dog trainers train animals and/or dog handlers for general and specific purposes, including assistance, security, leisure, competition, transportation, obedience and routine handling, entertainment and education, in accordance with national legislation.
Alternative animal therapist: Alternative animal therapists investigate sick or injured small and large animals and provide an alternative healing treatment. They may use homeopathy or acupuncture and other alternative medicines or methods to heal the animal. Alternative animal therapists also advise treatments which strengthen the self-healing powers of animals. 
Dog breeder: Dog breeders oversee the production and day-to-day care of dogs. They maintain the health and welfare of dogs.
Animal welfare inspector: Animal welfare inspectors investigate alleged reports of animal cruelty or neglect, rescue or collect animals in immediate or potential risk, liaise with internal and external agencies and other animal welfare establishments, educate and advise owners and carers of animals, seek to improve or maintain the welfare of the animal(s), and prevent or alleviate suffering.

Animal embryo transfer technician: Animal embryo transfer technicians aid and support the carrying out of embryo transfer under veterinary supervision in accordance with national legislation.
Equine dental technician: Equine dental technicians provide routine equine dental care, using appropriate equipment in accordance with national legislation.

Horse trainer: Horse trainers train animals and/or riders for general and specific purposes, including assistance, security, leisure, competition, transportation, obedience and routine handling, entertainment and education, in accordance with national legislation.
Official veterinarian: Official veterinarians are professionals with a comprehensive scientific education. They have the authority to carry out, in an independent, ethical and personally responsible capacity all veterinary activities with particular focus on the health and welfare of animals and public health in accordance with national and international legislation. They are responsible for national animal disease eradication programmes, the protection of public health and food or animal inspection, animal movements, and import and export of live animals and their products.
Aquaculture harvesting manager: Aquaculture harvesting managers control harvesting operations of aquatic organisms which entails understanding and knowledge of techniques and equipment used in harvesting processes.
Equine yard manager: Equine yard managers are responsible for the day to day running of the yard including managing staff, care of the horses, all aspects of health and safety and dealing with clients and owners.
Aquaculture production manager: Aquaculture production managers plan, direct and coordinate the production of fish, shellfish or other forms of aquatic life such as cash crops, in large-scale aquaculture operations to culture and harvest or for release into fresh, brackish or salt water. 

Animal groomer: Animal groomers are in charge of grooming a range of animals, using the correct equipment, materials and methods. It includes use of appropriate and safe handling techniques and the promotion of good hygiene, health and welfare of the animal. 

Animal physiotherapist: Animal physiotherapists provide a therapeutic treatment following veterinary diagnosis or referral. They concentrate on the application of physical therapy and exercise procedures to support animal rehabilitation after a surgery or an injury, aiming to return the animals to normal function and/or maintain performance inaccordance with national legislation.
Guide dog instructor: Guide dog instructors train dogs to be responsible in guiding blind people to travel effectively. They plan the training sessions, match guide dogs with their clients and ensure overall routine care of the training dogs. Guide dog instructors also provide advice to the blind people in the use of techniques that facilitate dog’s travel skills and mobility.
Equine worker: Equine workers provide caring activities for horses and ponies.
Animal shelter worker: Animal shelter workers provide animal care routine services at the animal shelter. They receive animals brought to the shelter, respond to calls about lost or injured animals, nurse animals, clean cages, handle papers for adoption of animals, transport animals to the veterinarian and maintain database with the animals present in the shelter.
Animal behaviourist: Animal behaviourists work with animals and people to study, observe, assess and understand animal behaviour in relation to specific factors and to prevent or address inappropriate or problematic behaviours within individual animals through the development of suitable environments and management regimes, in accordance with national legislation. 
Poultry sexer: Poultry sexers are specialists working in poultry farms determining the sex of the animals to separate the male from the female birds. 
Pet sitter: Pet sitters provide animal-sitting services including dog walking, home-boarding, pet/home sitting, day boarding and animal transportation services.  They maintain records, use appropriate and safe handling techniques and do routine monitoring of the health and welfare of the animal.
Live animal transporter: Live animal transporters provide transport and transfer for live animals, including the monitoring of the health and welfare of animals, the planning of, and preparation for journeys, loading and unloading of animals, according to national and international legislation.

Veterinary technician: Veterinary technicians provide the technical and administrative support to the veterinarian in accordance with national legislation.
Game keeper: Game keepers manage the habitat and wild game population in a defined area. 

Aquaculture husbandry manager: Aquaculture husbandry managers specialise in the husbandry of ongrowing aquatic species, especially in the feeding, growth, and stock management processes.
Taxidermist: Taxidermists mount and reproduce deceased animals or parts of animals such as trofy heads for the purpose of public display and education, such as in a museum or monument, or for other sources of scientific study, or for a private collection.
Farm milk controller: Farm milk controllers are responsible for measuring and analysing the production and quality of the milk and providing advise accordingly. 
Aquaculture site supervisor: Aquaculture site supervisors supervise production processes in large-scale aquaculture operations and inspect aquaculture sites to maintain and improve performance. They maintain the health, safety and security of the workplace, develop management plans to reduce the risks from pests, predators and diseases and supervise both the disposal of bio and chemical waste and the maintenance of equipment and machinery.
Sheep breeder: Sheep breeders oversee the production and day-to-day care of sheep. They maintain the health and welfare of sheep.
Cattle breeder: Cattle breeders oversee the production and day-to-day care of cattle. They maintain the health and welfare of cattle.
Kennel supervisor: Kennel supervisors monitor the daily operations of the kennel under their supervision. They ensure that the pets kept in kennels are being properly handled and cared for. Kennel supervisors supervise the working staff and maintain contact with the owners of the pets while they drop off or pick up the pets.
Animal chiropractor: Animal chiropractors provide a therapeutic treatment following veterinary diagnosis or referral. They concentrate on spinal manipulation or manual therapy for animals in accordance with national legislation.
Groom: Grooms provide practical daily horse care to ensure the horses health, welfare and safety.
They take part in exercising horses, cleaning and maintaining the stables, buildings and territory.
Aquaculture environmental analyst: Aquaculture environmental analysts assess, plan and implement programmes to recognise, monitor and control environmental factors that can potentially affect the health of aquatic animals and plants.
Poultry breeder: Poultry breeders oversee the production and day-to-day care of poultry. They maintain the health and welfare of poultry.
Livestock advisor: Livestock advisors provide complex specialist advice to farmers and livestock breeders to ensure that their business and production is optimised.
Zoo registrar: Zoo registrars are responsible for the maintenance of a wide variety of  records relating to animals and their care in zoological collections. This includes both historic and current records. They have the responsibiltity to collate records into an organised and recognised records keeping system. In most cases this also involves submitting regular reports to regional or internatonal species information systems and/or as part of managed breeding programmes i.e. zoo registrars are usually responsible for both internal and external management if institutional records . Zoo registrars also often coordinate animal transportation for the zoological collection.
Animal osteopath: Animal osteopaths provide a therapeutic treatment following veterinary diagnosis or referral. They concentrate on the application of treatment techniques using manipulation of the body tissues to resolve strain and injury in animals in accordance with national legislation.

Aquaculture hatchery technician: Aquaculture hatchery technicians operate and control all aspects of the hatchery production processes, from broodstock management to pregrowing juveniles.
Pig breeder: Pig breeders oversee the production and day-to-day care of pigs. They maintain the health and welfare of pigs.
Aquaculture recirculation technician: Aquaculture recirculation technicians operate and control the production processes of aquatic organisms in land-based recirculation systems, which utilise water re-use processes and the operation of pumping, aerating, heating, lighting and biofilter equipment as well as backup power systems.
General veterinarian: General veterinarians are professionals with a comprehensive scientific education. They have the authority to carry out, in an independent, ethical and personally responsible capacity, all aspects of veterinary medicine, in the interest of the health and welfare of animals and public health in accordance with national and international legislation. The generalist veterinarian can work with any species, however they may choose to work with a single species or types such as equine, companion or production animals.
Veterinary receptionist: Veterinary receptionists provide reception and office/administrative support in a veterinary practice, scheduling appointments and receiving clients, sale and advice on animal related products, in accordance with national legislation. 
Forester: Foresters are responsible for monitoring the natural and economic viability of a woodland or forest and for activities related to its management and conservation.
Animal hydrotherapist: Animal hydrotherapists provide a therapeutic treatment following veterinary diagnosis or referral. They concentrate on use of water-resistance to treat conditions, assist post-operative recovery, give pre-operative exercises and enhance general fitness in accordance with national legislation.
Animal trainer: Animal trainers train animals and/or animal handlers for general and specific purposes, including assistance, security, leisure, competition, transportation, obedience and routine handling, entertainment and education, in accordance with national legislation.

Animal welfare legislation is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Kennel worker: Kennel workers handle animals in kennels or catteries and provide care for pets. They feed the animals, clean their cages, look after ill or old animals, groom them and take them out for a walk.
Biology technician: Biology technicians provide technical assistance in researching and analysing the relationship between living organisms and their environment. They use laboratory equipment to examine organic substances such as bodily fluids, medicines, plants and food. They collect and analyse data for experiments, compile reports and maintain laboratory stock.
Pet and pet food specialised seller: Pet and pet food specialised sellers sell pets, pet foods, accessories, care products and related services in specialised shops.
Veterinary medicine lecturer: Veterinary medicine lecturers are subject professors, teachers, or lecturers, and often doctors who instruct students who have obtained an upper secondary education diploma in their own specialised field of study, veterinary medicine, which is predominantly academic in nature. They work with their university research assistants and university teaching assistants for the preparation of lectures and of exams, for grading papers and exams, for leading laboratory practices, and for leading review and feedback sessions for the students. They also conduct academic research in their respective field of veterinary medicine, publish their findings and liaise with other university colleagues.
Specialised seller: Specialised sellers sell goods in specialised shops.
Aquaculture biologist: Aquaculture biologists apply knowledge gained from research about aquatic animals and plant life and their interactions with each other and the environment, in order to improve aquaculture production, prevent animal health and environmental problems and to provide solutions if necessary.

Nature conservation officer: Nature conservation officers manage and improve the local environment within all the sectors of a local community. They promote awareness of and understanding about the natural environment. This work can be very varied and involve projects related to species, habitats and communities. They educate people and raise overall awareness of environmental issues.
Aquatic animal health professional: Aquatic animal health professionals diagnose, prevent and treat diseases, injuries and dysfunctions of aquatic animals by implementing appropriate sampling protocols. They supervise the use of medicines, including vaccines, and collect data on fish health, making regular reports to the appropriate personnel. They may provide care to a wide range of aquatic animals or specialise  in the treatment of a particular group or in a particular speciality area. They may provide advice, support and training to farm staff on best practice with regard to the health and welfare of the cultured organisms.
Water-based aquaculture worker: Water-based aquaculture workers carry out manual activities in the ongrowing processes of cultured aquatic organisms in water-based suspended systems (floating or submerged structures). They participate in extraction operations and the handling of organisms for commercialisation. Water-based aquaculture workers maintain and clean facilities (nets, mooring ropes, cages)..
Biologist: Biologists study living organisms and life in its broader extent in combination with its environment. Through research, they strive to explain the functional mechanisms, interactions, and evolution of organisms.
Zoology technician: Zoology technicians provide technical assistance in researching and testing animal species using laboratory equipment. They aid in research concerning animals as well as their environments and ecosystems. They collect and analyse data, compile reports and maintain laboratory stock.

References

1. Animal welfare legislation – ESCO