http://kb.rspca.org.au/ http://kb.rspca.org.au/Does-the-Approved-Farming-Scheme-include-cattle-and-sheep-production_390.html The Approved Farming Scheme currently includes only the intensive animal production systems, the ones where welfare issues are much more prominent. We have standards for pigs, layer hens, and meat chickens. On the other hand however we are in... Farm animals Fri, 19 Mar 2010 16:17:19 +1100 http://kb.rspca.org.au/What-is-the-difference-between-free-range-bred-free-range-organic_92.html ‘Free range’, ‘bred free range’ and ‘organic’ are terms that are applied to animal food products, such as meat and eggs. In particular, they refer to the systems that are used for housing the farm animals. There is no universally... Farm animals/Animal management Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:23:43 +1100 http://kb.rspca.org.au/What-should-I-feed-my-pet-rat_268.html Rats are omnivores (they eat plant & animal material). They will eat a wide variety of food if offered. Rats are intelligent animals and providing a variety of different foods can help to enrich their environment. Basic Rat feeding... Companion animals/Pocket pets, birds and exotics/Rats Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:21:52 +1100 http://kb.rspca.org.au/What-should-I-feed-my-pet-mouse/mice_269.html Mice are omnivores (they eat plant & animal material). They will eat a wide variety of food if offered. Mouse feeding guide: Mice should be fed a combination of ad lib fresh fruits and vegetables and small amounts of good quality... Companion animals/Pocket pets, birds and exotics/Mice Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:21:18 +1100 http://kb.rspca.org.au/What-should-I-feed-my-guinea-pig_258.html Guinea pigs are herbivores that would usually spend many hours a day foraging and grazing on grass in small herds. Their teeth grow continuously throughout life, so they need a diet high in roughage to encourage chewing. Chewing helps to wear down... Companion animals/Pocket pets, birds and exotics/Guinea pigs Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:01:02 +1100 http://kb.rspca.org.au/What-should-I-feed-my-pet-rabbit_35.html Rabbits should be fed the types of food they are adapted to eating. In the wild, rabbits eat predominantly grass. They may graze for up to 6-8 hours a day. Their whole digestive tract from their teeth right down to the end of their gastrointestinal... Companion animals/Pocket pets, birds and exotics/Rabbits Wed, 17 Mar 2010 11:58:02 +1100 http://kb.rspca.org.au/What-is-kosher-slaughter_117.html Kosher describes what is ‘fit and proper’ for people of the Jewish faith to eat. It gives a range of beverages and foods (including meat) that are acceptable. Kosher food laws are based on interpretation of the Bible and the Torah, the Judaic... Humane killing Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:31:35 +1100 http://kb.rspca.org.au/What-is-halal-slaughter_116.html Halal describes what is ‘fit and proper’ for Muslims to eat. It gives a range of beverages and foods (including meat) that are acceptable. Halal food laws are based on interpretation of the Quran, the Muslim scripture. Before halal slaughter,... Humane killing Wed, 17 Mar 2010 10:28:09 +1100 http://kb.rspca.org.au/How-do-I-care-for-newborn-kittens-and-their-mother_29.html There are many things that you need to consider when caring for kittens and a lactating mother. The following information addresses some of the most important issues however, the RSPCA strongly recommends that you seek veterinary advice... Companion animals/Caring for a new pet/Your new cat Sat, 13 Mar 2010 15:17:47 +1100 http://kb.rspca.org.au/Can-you-give-me-some-advice-on-caring-for-my-guinea-pigs_40.html Guinea Pigs (also known as cavies) are a species of rodent native to the South American Andes. They are social, inquisitive creatures and make lovely pets. Although they are commonly thought to be easy first pets for children, they require... Companion animals/Pocket pets, birds and exotics/Guinea pigs Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:04:19 +1100 http://kb.rspca.org.au/I-just-got-a-new-rabbit-Can-you-give-me-some-general-advice-on-its-care_36.html There are about 30 breeds of rabbits, ranging in colours, shapes and sizes but all need similar care and attention. Hutch A rabbit needs a good-sized hutch or cage with two compartments.One side should provide protection against the weather and... Companion animals/Pocket pets, birds and exotics/Rabbits Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:00:44 +1100 http://kb.rspca.org.au/Do-I-need-to-restrain-my-dog-when-travelling-in-my-car_303.html Depending on the circumstances, restraining a dog in a car may provide several safety benefits both to the dog and the occupants of the car: the dog cannot move around within the car and therefore has less potential to distract or disrupt the... Companion animals Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:06:12 +1100 http://kb.rspca.org.au/What-is-the-RSPCA-position-on-greyhound-racing_242.html Greyhound racing involves greyhounds chasing an artificial lure around a race track. In Australia, greyhound racing is conducted at specialised tracks and betting on the race winner is a popular form of gambling. As with any sport involving... Sport, entertainment and working animals/Greyhound racing Tue, 09 Mar 2010 11:32:59 +1100 http://kb.rspca.org.au/What-does-the-RSPCA-think-about-the-trapping-of-wild-dogs_145.html Wild dogs can cause substantial suffering to livestock when they kill or injure sheep, calves or other young animals. They are the subject of a number of control programs around Australia because of their potential to cause envornmental and... Wildlife/Pest animal control Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:14:14 +1100 http://kb.rspca.org.au/My-puppy-is-chewing-everything-what-should-I-do_389.html Dogs, especially puppies are extremely playful and investigative. While play with people and other dogs is an important part of socialisation and social development, exploration and object play are important ways for dogs to learn about their... Companion animals/Dogs/Behaviour Mon, 01 Mar 2010 14:22:16 +1100