|
|
WCA Code of Ethics
- A wildlife rehabilitator should strive to achieve high standards of
animal care through knowledge and an understanding of the field. Continuing
efforts must be made to keep informed of current rehabilitation information,
methods, and regulations.
- A wildlife rehabilitator's attitude should be responsible, conscientious,
dedicated, and should continuously work toward improving the quality
of care given to wild animals undergoing rehabilitation.
- A wildlife rehabilitator must abide by local, state, provincial and
federal laws concerning wildlife, wildlife rehabilitation and associated
activities.
- A wildlife rehabilitator should establish safe work habits and conditions,
abiding by current health and safety practices at all times.
- A wildlife rehabilitator should acknowledge limitations and enlist
the assistance of a veterinarian or other trained professional when
appropriate.
- A wildlife rehabilitator should respect other rehabilitators and persons
in related fields, sharing skills and knowledge in the spirit of cooperation
for the welfare of the animals.
- A wildlife rehabilitator should place optimum animal care above personal
gain.
- A wildlife rehabilitator should strive to provide professional and
humane care in all phases of wildlife rehabilitation, respecting the
wildness and maintaining the dignity of each animal in life and in death.
Releasable animals should be maintained in a wild condition and released
as soon as appropriate. Non-releasable animals, which are inappropriate
for education, foster parenting, or captive breeding, have a right to
euthanasia.
- A wildlife rehabilitator should encourage community support and involvement
through volunteer training and public education. The common goal should
be to promote a responsible concern for living beings and the welfare
of the environment.
- A wildlife rehabilitator should work on the basis of sound ecological
principles, incorporating appropriate conservation ethics and an attitude
of stewardship.
- A wildlife rehabilitator should conduct all business and activities
in a professional manner, with honesty, integrity, compassion, and commitment,
realizing that individual's conduct reflects on the entire field of
wildlife rehabilitation.
|
