1	Title
2	Commencement
3	Principal regulations
4	Cross-heading above regulation 56D replaced
		Dental procedures
5	New regulation 56F inserted (Subgingival dental procedures on cats and dogs)
	56F	Subgingival dental procedures on cats and dogs
	Explanatory note
	Administrative Information

Regulations

1 Title

These regulations are the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Amendment Regulations 2025.

2 Commencement

These regulations come into force on 10 April 2025.

3 Principal regulations

These regulations amend the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018.

4 Cross-heading above regulation 56D replaced

Replace the cross-heading above regulation 56D with:

Dental procedures

5 New regulation 56F inserted (Subgingival dental procedures on cats and dogs)

After regulation 56E, insert:

56F Subgingival dental procedures on cats and dogs

(1)

A person must not perform a subgingival dental procedure on a cat or dog unless throughout the procedure the cat or dog is under general anaesthesia that is authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure.

(2)

The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cat or dog must not allow the cat or dog to have a subgingival dental procedure performed on it in breach of subclause (1).

(3)

A person who performs a subgingival dental procedure on a cat or dog must—

(a)

be experienced with, or have received training in, the correct use of the method being used; and

(b)

be able to recognise early signs of significant distress, injury, or ill-health so that the person can take prompt remedial action or seek advice.

(4)

The owner of, and every person in charge of, a cat or dog that is to have a subgingival dental procedure performed on it must ensure that the health and welfare needs of the cat or dog are met during the procedure and recovery, by ensuring that at all times a person is available who—

(a)

has suitable equipment; and

(b)

has the relevant knowledge, has received relevant training, or is under appropriate supervision.

(5)

A person who fails to comply with subclause (1) or (2) commits an offence and is liable on conviction,—

(a)

in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $3,000; or

(b)

in the case of a body corporate, to a fine not exceeding $15,000.

(6)

In this regulation,—

gingival sulcus means the furrow below the gingival margin, between the gingiva and a tooth

subgingival dental procedure means a dental procedure beneath the gingival margin, and includes—

(a)

the insertion of a dental probe or other tool into the gingival sulcus; and

(b)

exploration of the subgingival surface of a tooth (including the root) with a dental probe or other tool; and

(c)

smoothing or scaling the subgingival tooth surface.

Rachel Hayward,
Clerk of the Executive Council.

Explanatory note

This note is not part of the regulations but is intended to indicate their general effect.

These regulations, which come into force on 10 April 2025, amend the Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Regulations 2018.

The amendments authorise non-veterinarians, such as veterinary nurses, to perform subgingival dental procedures on cats and dogs if certain requirements are met. The requirements include ensuring that the cat or dog is under general anaesthesia that is authorised by a veterinarian for the purpose of the procedure.

An owner of, or a person in charge of, a cat or dog must not allow the cat or dog to have a subgingival dental procedure performed on it in breach of the requirements.

The amendments insert new offences for failing to comply with the requirement relating to general anaesthesia authorised by a veterinarian.

Issued under the authority of the Legislation Act 2019.

Date of notification in Gazette: 13 March 2025.

These regulations are administered by the Ministry for Primary Industries.

Animal Welfare (Care and Procedures) Amendment Regulations 2025