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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Explain the principles of the euthanasia of species commonly dealt with by animal welfare workers 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
261594  Explain the principles of the euthanasia of species commonly dealt with by animal welfare workers 
ORIGINATOR
Task Team - Animal Protection Standards 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Nature Conservation 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Euthanasia is a fundamental and unavoidable component of an Inspector's duties. It is therefore imperative that Inspectors are aware that euthanasia must be carried out by qualified, competent personnel using approved and humane methods with the greatest compassion. Inspectors may undertake euthanasia only if legally authorised to do so.

This unit standard reflects this need, and learners credited with it will be able to:
  • Explain the general principles of euthanasia.
  • Identify acceptable methods of euthanasia for specific species.
  • Handle animals for euthanasia in a humane manner.
  • Describe the circumstances under which euthanasia should be performed. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Communication at NQF Level 3. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Explain the general principles of euthanasia. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Euthanasia is defined as it relates to all life form. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    General principles of why and when euthanasia is necessary are given in accordance with relevant legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Acceptable methods of euthanasia are described in accordance with animal rights. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but not limited to use of scheduled drugs, firearm and captive bolt pistol.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify acceptable methods of euthanasia for specific species. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Acceptable methods of euthanasing large mammals are explained in accordance with relevant legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Acceptable methods of euthanasing dogs, cats and rabbits are explained in accordance with relevant legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Acceptable methods of euthanasing feral cats are explained in accordance with relevant legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Acceptable methods of euthanasing other rodents are explained in accordance with relevant legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Acceptable methods of euthanasing birds are explained in accordance with relevant legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Acceptable methods of euthanasing reptiles and other cold blooded creatures are explained in accordance with relevant legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Acceptable methods of euthanasing fish and other aquatic creatures are explained in accordance with relevant legislation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Handle animals for euthanasia in a humane manner. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Animals are spoken to confidently, quietly and soothingly to alleviate stress. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Acceptable constraint methods are identified for circumstances where constraint is necessary. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relevant legislation is identified that relates to the humane destruction of animals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Legal responsibilities are identified and explained with regard to the use of scheduled drugs for euthanasia. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Carcasses are disposed of in accordance with relevant legislation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe the circumstances under which euthanasia should be performed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Reasons for euthanasia are identified in accordance with relevant legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Emergency and necessary/essential euthanasia is explained in terms of why it should occur and the consequences of delaying. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Circumstances where euthanasia should not be carried out are identified in accordance with relevant legislation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes but not limited to consideration of public and other animals.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Assessment of this unit standard should be contextual and practical.
  • Assessors and moderators must be registered with the relevant accredited ETQA.
  • Assessors should be in possession of a relevant qualification that is at least one level higher than the level of this unit standard or have at least 5 years relevant practical experience.
  • Training providers must be accredited by a relevant ETQA.
  • Assessment should include both formative and summative assessment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Basic understanding of related legislation.
  • Knowledge of handling techniques of the species listed in this Unit Standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking when recognising the need for euthanasia. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities when preparing oneself for an act of euthanasia. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information when preparing to explain the legislation specifically relevant to humane euthanasia. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively when explaining the principles of euthanasia. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology when explaining the different methods of euthanasia for different species of animals. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems when explaining the social impact of not euthanasing surplus animals. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  65229   Further Education and Training Certificate: Animal Protection  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2012-06-30  LG SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.