Date Time World Environment Day: Vets call for ecologically sustainable development On World Environment Day 2021, the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has highlighted the need for ecologically sustainable development where clearing of wildlife habitat is proposed, so as to minimise the animal welfare impacts on native wildlife. With millions of native animals either killed or imperiled each year by the destruction or deterioration of their habitats, the AVA has ratified a new policy on Native Animal Welfare (Habitat Clearing), signifying the AVA’s dedication to supporting environmental protection, wildlife conservation and animal welfare. “This new Native Animal Welfare policy is important as it recognises the threat of habitat clearing and advocates important steps to mitigate key issues. These include minimising the area of native vegetation impacted, assessing the biodiversity risks and considering codes of conduct to monitor and support animals displaced where possible,” said Dr Michael Banyard from the Australian Veterinary Conservation Biology special interest group of the AVA.