RSPCA Certified is Australia’s leading independent farm animal welfare certification, established as part of the RSPCA’s efforts to improve the lives of farmed animals. We work closely with farmers to make a positive impact on the lives of farm animals by providing an environment that meets their needs.
Most foie gras (a type of duck/goose liver paté), especially that produced in France, comes from ducks or geese that have been force-fed. During this process, the birds’ beaks are forced open, a tube is passed down the throat, and grain is forced into their stomach under pressure.
The practice of boiling a fertilised duck embryo in the egg shell and then eating it from the shell has the potential to result in pain and suffering for the unhatched bird.
Shark fin soup has been a traditional east Asian dish, symbolic of wealth and prestige, for several hundred years. In recent decades the popularity of shark fin soup has soared and the effect on wild shark populations has been disastrous.
RSPCA Certified is Australia’s leading independent farm animal welfare certification, established as part of the RSPCA’s efforts to improve the lives of farmed animals. We work closely with farmers to make a positive impact on the lives of farm animals by providing an environment that meets their needs.
What is down? Down refers to the soft layer of feathers that is closest to a duck or goose’s skin, and is primarily located in the chest and belly regions. Ducks and geese are mainly farmed for the purpose of meat, liver and egg production.
Under regulation 4W of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (Cth), the importation into Australia of cat or dog fur is prohibited unless the importer is authorised by the Minister for Immigration and Border Protection. However, the use of cat or dog fur is not expressly banned within Australia.
RSPCA Certified is Australia's leading independent farm animal welfare certification program. RSPCA Certified works with producers who are committed to farming turkeys to standards that go beyond the legal requirements and are informed by science and evidence.
Consumer awareness of and demand for higher welfare food is growing and consumers need to be able to make an informed choice about the products they purchase. However, information on the conditions under which animals are farmed is often either lacking or provided through ambiguous labelling.
Live fish and shellfish may be held in aquaria in restaurants or retail outlets prior to being killed for human consumption. Consideration needs to be given to the treatment of these to ensure their welfare is not compromised.