AVS Code of Animal Welfare (Pet Industry) PDF

Code of Animal Welfare (for the Pet Industry) Published and issued on 11 Aug 2016 by the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA)*. * The Agri-food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore is dissolved effective 1 April 2019. All farm, food and fishery functions will be managed by the Singa...

Code of Animal Welfare (for the Pet Industry) Published and issued on 11 Aug 2016 by the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA)*. * The Agri-food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore is dissolved effective 1 April 2019. All farm, food and fishery functions will be managed by the Singapore Food Agency while the animal and veterinary functions will come under the purview of the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster of the National Parks Board. All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means in whole or in part, without prior written permission from the AVS. The information provided in this publication is accurate as at time of issuance. The AVS does not accept any liability or responsibility to any party for losses or damages arising from following this code. This code is available on the AVS website: www.nparks.gov.sg/avs.  CODE OF ANIMAL WELFARE (FOR THE PET INDUSTRY) Table of Contents 1. Introduction 1.1. Legislation and Applicability of the Code 1.2. Animal Welfare 1.3. Definitions 1.4. Responsibilities of the Pet industry 2. Understanding the Code 2.1. Minimum Standards 2.2. Best Practices 3. Management of Pet Businesses 3.1. Accountability of Owner 3.2. Record Keeping 3.3. Pest Control 3.4. Security 4. Animal Housing and Environment 4.1. Housing Enclosure Requirements 4.2. Environment 4.3. Housekeeping 5. Animal Management 5.1. Diet and Feeding 5.2. Food Preparation 5.3. Activities to Promote General Well-Being 5.4. Handling and Transport 6. Animal Healthcare 6.1. Health Checks and Recording 6.2. Disease Prevention 6.3. Veterinary Attention and Treatment 2|Page Table of Contents Annex: A: Minimum Standards and Best Practices Specific for Certain Species A1. Introduction A2. Dogs A3. Cats A4. Small Mammals (Chinchillas, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, and Gerbils) A5. Birds B: Minimum Standards and Best Practices for Pet Retailers B1. Introduction B2. Management of Pet Retail Business B3. Sale of Animals C: Minimum Standards and Best Practices for Pet Groomers C1. Introduction C2. Management of Pet Grooming Business C3. Grooming and Trimming C4. Bathing and Drying C5. Equipment and Facilities D: Minimum Standards and Best Practices for Pet Breeders D1. Introduction D2. Management of Pet Breeding Business D3. Breeding of Animals D4. Housing Enclosure Requirements of Breeding Animals E: Minimum Standards and Best Practices for Pet Boarders, Pet Sitters & Pet Day Care Providers E1. Introduction E2. Management of Pet Boarding Business E3. Boarding of Animals E4. Housing Enclosure Requirements for Boarding Animals 3|Page 1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 Legislation and Applicability of the Code 1.1.1 There is variation in the interpretation of what constitutes adequate (i.e. minimum) welfare standards for animals. Codes of animal welfare seek to establish a common ground for all stakeholders in Singapore to agree on what is minimally appropriate for the care of animals in our local context. 1.1.2 Current legislation to safeguard animal welfare and prevent cruelty to animals resides in the Animals and Birds Act. In accordance with the Animals and Birds Act, the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS) adopted this Code of Animal Welfare ( for the pet industry). 1.1.3 This code applies to all owners (which include persons in charge as defined in the Animals and Birds Act) of animals in the pet industry. Under the law, owners have a duty of care towards the animals in their charge. Failure to meet minimum standards stipulated by the codes of animal welfare may be used as evidence to determine if animal welfare has been compromised, if an owner of the animal has failed to comply with a duty of care, or if is culpable of animal cruelty, and can support prosecution for an offence under the Animals and Birds Act. Likewise, individuals or corporate bodies may also use compliance with the codes as a defence against allegations of infringements under the Act. The best practices in the codes have no legal bearing, but are included together with this code to encourage the pet industry to aim for even higher standards of welfare for animals under their care. 1.1.4 The objective of the Code of Animal Welfare (for the Pet Industry) is to improve the welfare of animals in Singapore. This document is only useful if the players in the pet industry understand their social responsibility and commit to the welfare of animals under their care. Over time, the code will be refreshed and updated to keep pace with local as well as international developments, as well as the improving standards of welfare practices of the pet industry in Singapore. 1.2 Animal Welfare 1.2.1 An animal is in a good state of welfare if (as indicated by scientific evidence) it is healthy, comfortable, well nourished, safe, and if it is not experiencing unreasonable or unnecessary pain or suffering. Good animal welfare requires disease prevention and veterinary treatment, appropriate shelter, management, nutrition, humane handling and humane euthanasia. Animal welfare refers to the state of the animal; the treatment that an animal receives is covered by other terms such as animal care, animal husbandry, and humane treatment. 1.2.2 The pet industry has a social responsibility and obligation to ensure the welfare of pet animals in their businesses. Companies should progressively strive to improve the standards of practice in the workplace, and the reputation of the industry at large. The pet industry also has a duty of care to provide for the needs of animals 4|Page under their charge, which may include owned pets. While an owner is ultimately legally responsible for fulfilling the duty to care for his/her pet, workers in the pet industry may periodically be entrusted with this duty of care. This code is organised as follows: i. Sections 1 and 2 outline background information and definitions necessary for understanding the code; ii. Sections 3-6 outline the responsibilities of pet businesses and principles of animal welfare that are applicable to pet businesses; and iii. Annexes list the needs specific to the types of animals commonly kept as pets in Singapore as well as requirements specific to various types of businesses in the pet industry. 1.3 Definitions 1.3.1 Owner: in relation to an animal, includes a person in charge of the animal. 1.3.2 Person in Charge: in relation to an animal, means a person who has, whether permanently or on a temporary basis, the animals in the person’s possession, custody or control, or under the person’s care or supervision, and includes an individual who has the animal in such a manner in the course of the individual’s employment. 1.3.3 Veterinarian: a person licensed to practise veterinary medicine in Singapore. 1.4 Responsibilities of the Pet Industry 1.4.1 The pet industry is often the first or main source of information for owners on pet care. Many pet owners look to people working in the pet industry to provide expert advice on pet care. As such, pet industry workers have a responsibility to ensure that they are knowledgeable and give sound advice. 1.4.2 Within a business, responsibilities may differ between the business owners, managers and staff, and this segregation of responsibilities should be made clear to all parties. All parties should familiarize themselves with all provisions of the codes, to ensure a common understanding on what constitutes as minimum standards or as best practices for animal welfare. 2. UNDERSTANDING THE CODE 2.1 Minimum Standards refer to the standards of animal housing, management and care that are deemed to be necessary to meet the basic needs of the animal. All owners in the pet industry are expected to comply with these standards. 5|Page 2.2 Best Practices refer to practices that the pet industry is encouraged to adopt to further raise the standard of animal welfare and professionalism of the pet industry. 3. MANAGEMENT OF PET BUSINESSES 3.1 Accountability of owner Minimum Standards 3.1.1 Any owner must not leave the animal at any place, or cause or permit the animal to leave his/her possession, custody or control, whether permanently or temporarily, without making reasonable arrangements for the care of the animal*. 3.1.2 Any owner must take reasonable measures^ to locate and retrieve the animal if it is lost. 3.1.3 Owners who handle animals must be trained in and competent to handle the animals. *Owners should take measures to prevent the animals from escaping or getting lost, such as securing the premises or providing adequate supervision and control of the animal when it is not enclosed in the premises. Reasonable arrangements for the care for the animal include ensuring the animal has been handed over to new owners, or to caregivers (e.g. animal welfare groups, commercial boarding service providers) who have agreed to care for the animal. ^If an animal is lost, reasonable measures must be taken by the owner to recover it. Reasonable measures include making a missing animal report with the Police or AVS. In addition to making the reports, owner can also put up lost animal advertisements and appeal to neighbours, animal welfare groups or members of the public while searching for the lost animal. 3.2 Record keeping Minimum Standards 3.2.1 Appropriate records must be kept to ensure that all animals are identifiable (such as with the use of microchips), traceable to source, and registered as appropriate. Records, including medical records, must be kept for a minimum of 2 years or for as long as the animal remains in the charge of the business. Best Practices (a) The use of stock books, enclosure labels and daily cleaning record sheets is encouraged. Where records are computerised, there should be a back-up copy kept. Records kept should have space for notes or observations on any significant changes in the animal’s condition or behaviour since arrival. 6|Page 3.3 Pest Control Minimum Standards 3.3.1 Proper protocols for pest management of the premises must be established to minimise problems with external parasites and disease vectors, such as fleas, ticks, flies, lice, mosquitoes and wild rodents. In the event that the external parasite problem persists despite attempts by the owner to resolve the problem, veterinary advice must be sought until the problem is successfully contained and managed. 3.3.2 Where pest management chemicals are used, the chemicals must be registered under the Control of Vectors and Pesticides Act (CVPA) 2002, or any other relevant legislation, and used in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions. 3.3.3 Appropriate safety precautions must be taken for both the workers and the animals when the premises are being treated. Animals must be removed if there is a threat to their safety or health. 3.4 Security Minimum Standards 3.4.1 The shop premises must be secured to prevent access by unauthorised persons or escape of animals. 3.4.2 Safe confinement must be provided to protect the animal from harm and distress, and safeguard against escape or accidental release into the environment. 3.4.3 There must be a contingency plan for the safe and appropriate evacuation of animals in the event of fire and other emergencies. 3.4.4 When there is an animal kept overnight within the business premises, all reasonable measures must be taken to ensure the animal’s safety. This can be done in a variety of ways, including, for instance, putting up a contact number at the premises so that the operator can be alerted in the event of an emergency, or installing CCTV monitoring. 7|Page 4. ANIMAL HOUSING AND ENVIRONMENT 4.1 Housing Enclosure Requirements Minimum Standards 4.1.1 Animal enclosures must be in good condition, safe and of a suitable size so that the animal has sufficient space to move freely, turn around, lie down, and stretch and stand upright on its hind legs and have sufficient headroom. The animal must have a clean and comfortable area to eat and sleep. 4.1.2 Animals must be provided with sufficient shelter and shade. 4.1.3 Enclosures must be kept clean, dry and well-ventilated. 4.1.4 There must be separate housing for different species, as well as for animals of the same species that may not be compatible. 4.1.5 There must be individual housing for animals that are old or frail, aggressive, and for parents with their unweaned offspring. 4.1.6 There must be separate housing for sick animals. 4.1.7 The maximum number of animals kept at any one time must be appropriate for the premises. Best Practices Enclosure Design & Construction (a) Enclosures should be of solid construction, such as sealed concrete or brick, and strong doors to withstand impact and scratching. Any mesh or chain wires used should be of sufficient strength to contain the animals. (b) Construction materials should be safe and impervious to water to assist in cleaning and drainage. (c) Where metal bars or frames are used, they should be of a suitable gauge with adequate spacing to prevent animals from getting stuck or escaping. Where metal edging is used, it should not present a risk of injury to the animals. (d) Door openings should be constructed to allow easy removal of water and waste. (e) A sloped floor for animal housing and individual exercise areas is recommended as it facilitates removal of waste and water after cleaning. 8|Page (f) The premises should be connected to the main drainage or an approved sewerage disposal system, and fitted with fine mesh wire baskets to trap hair and waste. The baskets should be cleaned daily. (g) Cage construction should use suitable material that is safe and easy to clean and disinfect, such as stainless steel, aluminium and acrylic. Joints should be properly finished. Rusted and damaged cages should not be used. (h) Collapsible or flimsy cages should not be used. If used, they should only be used for holding animals temporarily while display cages are being cleaned. All such cages must be placed directly on the floor or on a stable structure. (i) Design and construction should allow ready checking of animals and regular provision of food and water. (j) Cages should be easy to move in the event of an emergency. Enclosure Fittings & Facilities (k) Clean, hygienic bedding appropriate to the species and breed, and that is sufficient for the number of animals housed should be provided to insulate the animal from the floor and provide the animal with a sense of security. (l) Where appropriate, suitable and sufficient facilities for activities to promote general well-being should be provided. (m) Sleeping areas should be insulated appropriately to provide comfort. (n) When using bottles with a drink nipple for drinking water, the tip should allow free flow of water on activation and should not come into contact with the bedding or food. (o) Exercise areas should not be used as sleeping areas. (p) Accessories provided in the accommodation should be suitable to the animal species concerned. (q) Materials, such as newspaper (in sheets or shredded) or urine liners, should be provided to facilitate toilet training. 4.2 Environment Minimum Standards 4.2.1 The living environment must:  Be sheltered from bad weather conditions and extremes of temperature that could be harmful to the health and well-being of the animal;  Be sufficiently ventilated to ensure that the air is kept fresh and clean at 9|Page  all times; and  Be safe, clean and conducive to the well-being of the animal; 4.2.2 The animal’s environment must not be exposed to excessive noise, sunlight, heat, humidity or draughts Best Practices Warmth & Lighting (a) Young, old or sick animals should be provided with additional heat as necessary, e.g. in the form of heat lamps or hot water bottles. Care should be taken to prevent scalding. (b) Lighting at night should not be excessive, including light from outside the premises. (c) Lighting should be as close as possible, in duration and intensity, to natural conditions of the animal(s) and should not generate excessive heat. Natural light is the preferred means of lighting, provided that shaded areas are available. (d) Artificial light should be provided, where needed, to allow animal holding area to be thoroughly cleaned and animals checked. Noise (e) Animals should not be exposed to loud or sudden noises which may distress them. (f) Noise from barking dogs should be reduced. This can be achieved by:  placing dogs so that they do not see each other  limiting external stimulation (e.g. by partitioning between animal housing or using blinds)  housing dogs singly or in compatible pairs  turning the lights off after feeding (g) Cats and small mammals should be kept away from dogs as they may be disturbed by barking. (h) Animals should be protected from excessive noise and vibration. This can be achieved by ensuring the animals are buffered from the public by barriers or signage with instruction not to disturb the animals. 10 | P a g e 4.3 Housekeeping Minimum Standards 4.3.1 Animal holding, bathing, grooming and exercising areas must be cleaned daily. 4.3.2 At the completion of cleaning, enclosures must be dried. 4.3.3 Enclosures, their surroundings and any enclosed equipment must be cleaned and disinfected with effective and appropriate disinfectant at least once a week, or prior to the introduction of new animals, whelping or kittening. 4.3.4 Food preparation and storage areas, food and water containers, and utensil and equipment used in the preparation and provision of food, must be hygienic. 4.3.5 Collection drains must be cleaned daily. 4.3.6 Chemicals used for cleaning and disinfecting must not be harmful to the animals. Best Practices Cleaning (a) All used animal enclosures should be treated with appropriate disinfectants as necessary. (b) All equipment used in the grooming of animals should be cleaned and disinfected between animals. (c) Cleaning agents, disinfectants and materials should be chosen on the basis of their suitability, safety and effectiveness. They should be used only in accordance with the manufactures’ instructions. For instance, some common disinfectants, particularly those derived from or containing coal or wood tar products (such as pine oil, phenol, cresol and chloroxylenols) are toxic to cats and should not be used for enclosures for cats. (d) Hand-washing facilities or personal protective equipment(s) (such as disposable gloves) should be available for use when handling animals. Waste Disposal (e) All waste products, including faeces, bedding, food wastes and dead animals, should be disposed of in sealed plastic bags promptly and hygienically, and in accordance with all relevant regulatory requirements. 11 | P a g e (f) Clinical waste from the treatment and handling of animals with infectious diseases should be segregated from normal waste and incinerated. 5. ANIMAL MANAGEMENT 5.1 Diet and Feeding Minimum Standards 5.1.1 Animals must be fed a well-balanced and nutritional diet in adequate amounts at regular intervals that will allow them to maintain good health and growth. The diet must be relevant to the special needs of each species at different stages of their lives. 5.1.2 Fresh and clean drinking water must be available at all times. 5.1.3 Food for the animals must be readily accessible and positioned to avoid spillage or contamination by urine or faeces. 5.1.4 Food for the animals must not be contaminated or spoilt. Food discovered to be spoilt or contaminated must be removed immediately. 5.1.5 Food for the animals must be administered in such a manner that co-housed animals will each get an adequate portion. Best Practices (a) Animals should be supplied a variety of food. A staple diet may constitute pre- packaged canned or dry food and be supplemented by fresh meat, fish or vegetables as appropriate. (b) Pregnant and lactating animals should be fed approximately twice the amount of food normally required. (c) Young animals should be fed at least twice a day. (d) Animals which are unwell should be fed in accordance with veterinary advice. 12 | P a g e 5.2 Food Preparation Minimum Standards 5.2.1 Food and water containers for feeding must be cleaned daily and disinfected when necessary. 5.2.2 All animal feed, other than live feed, must be stored in a manner which prevents deterioration/ contamination, and according to manufacturer’s instructions where applicable. Best Practices (a) Proper and hygienic facilities should be provided for the storage and preparation of food. (b) Food and water containers should be stable, non-chewable and non-toxic. The containers should be pest proof and easy to clean and disinfect. Disposable eating dishes may be used. (c) Food should be prepared in a separate kitchen area in a hygienic manner. It should be stored appropriately, i.e. dry foods should be stored in a rodent-free place, and fresh and cooked meats should be stored under refrigeration. (d) There should be sufficient wash basins and clean water for food preparation, and for washing food containers and utensils. (e) Sharing of food and water containers should be avoided. This is to prevent the spread of disease or aggression between animals. 5.3 Activities to Promote General Well-being Minimum Standards 5.3.1. Animals must be allowed to exercise and interact in a safe and secure environment. 5.3.2. Animals must be allowed sufficient space and opportunity to exercise at least twice daily, or as appropriate to the species and health status of the animal. 5.3.3. Animals must not be subjected to: i) distress or injury caused by other animals and by interference by people; ii) excessive viewing or handling iii) exposure to other animals known to have or are suspected to be suffering from an infectious disease iv) harmful or potentially toxic chemicals. 13 | P a g e 5.3.4. Animals must be provided with: i) appropriate level of daily attention/inspection, feed and exercise even on the non-trading days; ii) activities or equipment that promote general well-being, and are appropriate to the physiological needs of differing ages and species (such as the opportunity to interact with people and compatible animals where appropriate); iii) the opportunity to exercise, if held overnight for any reason. 5.3.5. Supervision must be provided when animals are allowed to interact with each other, especially when small mammals are allowed to interact with animals that they may be unfamiliar with, or that are of another species (such as cats and dogs). 5.3.6. Any equipment used during or while interacting with the animal must be safe to use. 5.3.7. Where training is employed, training methods and aids used must be appropriate and must not subject the animal to unreasonable or unnecessary pain or suffering. Training aids must be used safely and correctly. Best Practices (a) Animals should be allowed to interact with compatible animals of their own species. (b) Animals should be allowed to interact with people to ensure socialisation and socially-accepted behaviour in the presence of people. 5.4 Handling and Transport Minimum Standards 5.4.1 Animals must be handled in a manner that will not cause injury or undue distress. 5.4.2 All reasonable measures must be taken to ensure the comfort and safety of the animal during transport, including using suitable clean equipment and proper restraints. Clean drinking water must be provided as necessary. Animals must also not be at risk of falling out of the vehicle. 5.4.3 Animals must be protected from exposure to excessive rain, wind, sun or exhaust emission during transport. 5.4.4 Animals must not be transported in a manner that could result in injury, e.g. by being transported in the same carrier with other animals that are incompatible or aggressive. 14 | P a g e 5.4.5 Animals must not be transported in car boots, or any enclosed spaces with poor ventilation regardless of the period of transportation. 5.4.6 If cages or carriers are used, the cages or carriers must be sturdy and of suitable size to allow the animals freedom of movement so that they are not restricted in standing or lying down. 5.4.7 Animals must not be left unattended in vehicles in conditions that could result in heat stress or distress during transport. 5.4.8 Sedation must not be used unless prescribed by a veterinarian. 5.4.9 Vehicles used for transporting animals must be suitable and safe for this purpose, and must be properly ventilated. 5.4.10 Vehicles, cages and carriers used for transporting animals must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised after each use. Best Practices (a) Animals should be transported in the shortest practicable time to minimise discomfort and danger. (b) Any vehicle specially designed or regularly used for transporting animals should also:  be free from protrusions or sharp edges in the carrying area  have non-slip floors  provide easy and safe access for handlers  be easy to clean and disinfect  protect against unauthorised release or escape of animals  be supplied with clean, secure cages or carry baskets for cats or very small dogs, and with separate compartments or partitions for larger dogs (c) Animals in circumstances indicated below, should always be transported in separate carriers/containers:  animals in heat  visibly pregnant animals  female animals with unweaned young  aggressive or noisy animals (d) Cages are preferred for keeping animals in the vehicles. Where cages are not used, steps should be taken to prevent dogs from fighting and injuring each other. Where cats are observed to be fighting, they should be kept in separate cages. (e) Different species of animals should not be kept next to each other. 15 | P a g e (f) Chemicals, rescue equipment, and other loose objects should not be kept in the same compartment as the animals that are being transported so as to reduce the risk of injury to the animals. 6. ANIMAL HEALTH CARE 6.1 Health Checks and Recording Minimum Standards 6.1.1 Reasonable measures must be taken to ensure good health and protection of the animal from illness, injury or disease. 6.1.2 All animals must be inspected at least once daily to monitor their health and well-being. Veterinary attention must be promptly sought to treat any significant illness, injury or disease. 6.1.3 Newly arrived animals and animals that appear unwell must be isolated and inspected more frequently. 6.1.4 Any signs of illness, abnormalities and deviations from the norm for the following behaviours: eating, drinking, defecating, urinating, movement, resting, must be recorded. 6.1.5 Any changes in health status, including abnormal body coat must be promptly reported to the person in charge or a veterinarian for appropriate attention. 6.1.6 Sick and injured animals must be removed from their cage or public view and isolated from other animals, and veterinary attention provided as required. 6.1.7 Special arrangement must be made to attend to sick animals during both day and night. 6.1.8 All animals must be checked, and treated as necessary, for external and internal parasites prior to transfer of ownership. Best Practices (a) Animals should be carefully observed for ill health or stress as some sick animals are able to suppress some signs of illness. Signs requiring urgent attention include, but are not limited to the following:  Changes in food or water consumption and droppings  Overgrown claws, nails and beak  Changes in attitude or behaviour and posture  Changes in weight  Enlargements or swelling of any portion of the animal 16 | P a g e   Vomiting, injury or bleeding  Stains or scabs around feet, eyes or nostrils  Discharge from nostrils, eyes or mouth/beak  Excessive loss of fur/feathers  Lameness or sores on feet/legs 6.2 Disease Prevention Minimum Standards 6.2.1 All pet businesses must have a disease prevention program that includes vaccination, de-worming against internal parasites, and control of external parasites and insects. 6.2.2 There must be an isolation room/area for animals that are ill or show signs of disease. Best Practices (a) There should be adequate facilities, equipment and materials, such as disinfectants and disposable gowns, gloves and masks for handling isolation cases. (b) There should be isolation protocols for workers to follow, which should include hand washing, disinfection and proper disposal of used gowns, gloves and masks. 6.3 Veterinary Attention and Treatment Minimum Standards 6.3.1 All animals that are injured or unwell must receive prompt veterinary attention to treat any significant illness, injury or disease. 6.3.2 All animals that require treatment, as determined by a veterinarian, must be treated promptly. 6.3.3 Euthanasia of an animal must be performed only by a licensed veterinarian trained in the ethics and technique of euthanasia and using methods and chemicals internationally accepted for this procedure. The procedure should be carried out in private and away from the view of other animals. Best Practices (a) A heated cage should be provided when necessary, for the isolation and treatment of sick or injured animals. The cage should be away from public view to minimise stress. 17 | P a g e  ----------------------------------------------- Please also refer to Annexes A, B, C, D and E for minimum standards and best practices pertaining to the specific businesses. Where there are licensing conditions that overlap with minimum standards and best practices, they will supersede the minimum standards and best practices. 18 | P a g e Cold Climate Dog Breeds Minimum Standards A2.12 Cold climate breeds, such as the Siberian Husky, Alaskan Malamute, Chow Chow, Samoyed, Newfoundland and St. Bernard must be provided with adequate shade, and good fan ventilation or air-conditioning, so that their environment is kept cool and less humid. A2.13 Cold climate breeds must not be subjected to unnecessary physical exertion in the heat of the day. A2.14 Cold climate breeds must be groomed regularly to prevent the accumulation of dead hair A3. Cats Confinement and Tethering Minimum Standards Confinement Area A3.1 The area where the cats are confined or tethered must be safe and comfortable for the cat. A3.2 The cats must have adequate shelter from inclement weather and extremes temperature. A3.3 The area must be large enough for the cats to move unimpeded, sit, lie down and stretch. A3.4 There must be sufficient head room to allow the cats to stand upright comfortably on their hind legs. A3.5 The area must be clean and kept sanitary, with a distinct area for litter boxes of the cats to defecate and urinate. A3.6 The area must be well ventilated but not draughty. A3.7 The area must be clear of obstructions and sharp objects that might injure the cat. 21 | P a g e