S.L. 439.18 ст. 4Persons eligible to perform surgical operations under these regulations.

(1) Veterinary surgery shall only be performed by a veterinary surgeon who is warranted and registered in the

Veterinary Surgeons Register in terms of article 43 of the

Veterinary Services Act.

(2) All surgical operations, except those mentioned in sub-regulation (3) are to be carried out in establishments approved under the Private Veterinary Establishments (Licensing)

Regulations: Provided that the provisions of this sub-regulation shall not apply to surgical operations involving food production animals, equids and zoo animals.

(3) Without prejudice to the generality of sub-regulation (1), the following persons may perform interventions in a limited manner as herein described:

(a) licensed pig farmers and breeders may:

(i) perform uniform reductions of corner teeth of piglets by grinding or clipping not later than the seventh day of life leaving an intact smooth surface;

(ii) perform reductions of boars’ tusks in length when necessary to prevent injuries to other animals or for safety reasons;

(iii) dock pigs’ tails;

(iv) castrate male piglets without tearing of tissue; and

(v) perform nose-ringing only when the animals are kept in outdoor husbandry systems: Provided that neither tail-docking nor reduction of corner teeth shall be carried out routinely but only where there is evidence that injuries to sows’ teats or to other pigs’ ears or tails has occurred;

(b) licensed chicken farmers and breeders may debeak their pullets with the aid of certified equipment within ten (10) days from the birth of the chicks and exclusively on their own stock intended for laying;

(c) licensed or registered ruminant farmers and breeders may:

(i) destroy or remove the horns of animals under four (4) weeks of age by chemical or heat cauterization with instruments that produce sufficient heat for at least ten (10) seconds;

(ii) nose-ring bulls and cows with the appropriate instruments; and

(d) any person authorised by the Director may puncture or notch animals’ ears in an appropriate manner intended for identification.