Why are calves separated from their mother in the dairy industry? For cows to produce milk, they have to give birth to a calf. Standard dairy industry practice is to separate...
Why is it important for layer hens to express normal behaviours? The ability to express normal behaviours is important to every hen whether they are housed in cage or cage-free systems....
What are the animal welfare issues with weaning nose rings and other anti-suckling devices for calves? Anti-suckling devices such as nose rings or nose flaps are designed to wean calves off milk by preventing access to...
Should elephants be kept in zoos? In general, the RSPCA is not opposed to the keeping of animals in government-endorsed zoos where zoos are able to...
What is the RSPCA’s view on keeping dolphins in captivity? Dolphins are marine mammals belonging to the group known as cetaceans, which also includes whales, orcas and porpoises. RSPCA Australia...
What are the key things I should understand about horse behaviour? Understanding at least basic horse behaviour is a very important part of responsible horse ownership. A good understanding of horse...
What is virtual fencing (or virtual herding) and does it impact animal welfare? What is virtual fencing? Virtual fencing aims to remotely map and control livestock grazing behaviour without the use of fixed...
Why is environmental enrichment important for pig welfare? Providing environmental enrichment may be an effective strategy to improve animal welfare by enabling positive affective (emotional) states and improving...
Why is group housing important for pig welfare? Pigs are intelligent, social animals, with a complex range of behaviours and needs. Group housing of pregnant pigs allows them...
Why is wallowing important for pig welfare? Wallowing is a natural behaviour which pigs are motivated to perform and, when given the opportunity, pigs will make their...
What are the welfare concerns for breeder birds in the meat chicken industry? Breeder birds in the meat chicken industry lay the eggs that will hatch into chickens grown for meat. There are...
How much space does a meat chicken need? All animals need to have enough space to carry out their normal behaviours, and to be physically healthy. When it...
Why is access to adequate light important for meat chicken welfare? Access to adequate light and periods of darkness are necessary for meat chicken welfare, as they encourage natural behaviours including...
How do I care for my rabbits? There are about 30 breeds of rabbits, ranging in colours, shapes, and sizes. The most popular breeds are the Dwarf...
What companionship do rabbits need? Rabbits are a social species and have evolved to live in groups. In the wild, rabbits do not live alone....
How can I socialise my rabbits with people and other rabbits? Socialising with people Rabbits are affectionate and lovable creatures who can bond with their owners. But, as a prey species,...
What companionship do my guinea pigs need? Guinea pigs are a social species and need to be kept with other guinea pigs. In their natural habitat, they...
What exercise and environmental enrichment do guinea pigs need? Guinea pigs need exercise, mental stimulation, environmental enrichment, and the ability to express normal behaviours. The normal behaviours that guinea...
What kind of housing do guinea pigs need? It is important to provide these sociable and complex little animals with an environment that is interesting, varied, and safe....
Why is access to water important for the welfare of farmed ducks? Ducks are waterfowl and therefore adapted to spend a large extent of their life in the water. When ducks are...