RSPCA Knowledgebase – Let Australia's most trusted animal welfare charity help you answer the big questions.

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Australia’s most trusted source of animal welfare science, advice and information.

Featured Articles

How is animal welfare regulated at Australian abattoirs and poultry processors?

An abattoir is a facility that slaughters animals to produce meat and meat products for human consumption. A poultry processor...

Last updated: May 16, 2023
How can I protect my dog from heatstroke?

Heatstroke is a life-threatening emergency. Seek veterinary attention immediately. Heatstroke involves potentially life-threatening elevations in body temperature (hyperthermia). Heatstroke is...

Last updated: May 8, 2023
Are pronged collars harmful to my dog?

Pronged collars (also known as a pinch or constriction collar) are made of metal and are designed to tighten around...

Last updated: March 6, 2023
How many ducks and quail are wounded due to recreational hunting?

In recreational duck and quail hunting people use a shotgun to shoot the birds; this causes inevitable pain and suffering...

Last updated: February 8, 2023
Are dog pronged collars illegal in Australia?

Pronged collars (also known as a pinch or constriction collar) are illegal to import into Australia but are only illegal...

Last updated: February 8, 2023
What is the most humane way to kill crustaceans for human consumption?

This article is also available for download as a PDF: RSPCA Humane killing of crustaceans [Note: This information is under...

Last updated: December 13, 2022
Can people infect pets with the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)?

Yes, people can infect pets with the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). Infection of companion animals (pets) with SARS-CoV-2...

Last updated: October 18, 2022
Why does the RSPCA advocate desexing cats before puberty?

Desexing cats before they can reproduce plays an integral role in reducing cat overpopulation and there are also many health...

Last updated: October 18, 2022
Should I stable my horse?

Stabling horses often suits our needs as people (e.g., convenience), not the horses. Horses are social, herd animals and we...

Last updated: September 20, 2022
What are the animal welfare challenges associated with meat chicken production?

Chickens grown for meat production are genetically very different from layer hens bred to produce eggs. Meat chickens have been...

Last updated: August 31, 2022

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