The Code of Practice for Sick, Injured and Orphaned Birds of Prey (the Code) is designed for everyone trained in the activity of rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing birds of prey. It has been developed to protect the welfare of birds of prey in care, and to contribute to the conservation of birds of prey in the wild. The Code is designed to be read in conjunction with the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) Code of Practice for Injured, Sick and Orphaned Protected Fauna (General Code).

The Code is neither a complete manual on animal husbandry, nor a static document. It will be revised from time to time to take into account new knowledge of animal physiology and behaviour, technological advances, developments in standards of animal welfare and changing community attitudes and expectations about the humane treatment of birds of prey.