Review of the relevant legislation and guidance relating to wildlife casualties

Background : Veterinary professionals may encounter wildlife casualties in a general veterinary practice. In this setting, the primary responsibility is to provide first aid and pain relief to the animal in question, including euthanasia when necessary. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the relevant legislation and guidance. This will ensure veterinary professionals adhere to all legal requirements and are complying with the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct. Aim of the article : The aim of this article is to inform readers about the relevant legislation that affects wildlife casualties in the UK and to highlight recent changes made by the RCVS Standards Committee regarding the guidelines for prescribing antimicrobials and controlled drugs for euthanasia.