What do the terms inbreeding and linebreeding mean? What is inbreeding? Inbreeding is the mating of related individuals who have one or more ancestors in common [1]. Linebreeding...
I think my guinea pig might be pregnant, what should I do? The best thing is to take your guinea pig to your vet for a pregnancy diagnosis. They can diagnose a...
How can owners of dogs with exaggerated physical features help their pets? Owners of pet dogs with exaggerated physical features need to be fully aware of the specific health and welfare problems...
What can breeders do to avoid exaggerated physical features that compromise dog welfare? Every breeder has an important responsibility to ensure their dogs are able to live a healthy, happy and long life....
How do I find a responsible dog or cat breeder? If you are looking to welcome a companion animal into your family, RSPCA Australia encourages prospective owners to first consider...
How do I avoid supporting puppy farms? A puppy farm (also known as a puppy factory or puppy mill) is an intensive dog breeding facility operating under inadequate...
What is a puppy farm? A puppy farm (also known as a puppy factory or puppy mill) is an intensive dog breeding facility, operating under inadequate...
How do I care for newborn kittens and their mother? The RSPCA strongly recommends that you seek veterinary advice to ensure that your cat and kittens receive the best care...
What are the animal welfare problems associated with Scottish Fold cats? The Scottish Fold breed of cat has a very distinctive appearance and is a popular companion cat in some countries....
Are there laws that require companion animal breeders to meet certain standards of care? Laws relating to the welfare of animals vary in different states. In some states, companion animal breeders have to be...
What is a backyard breeder? Backyard breeding is the irresponsible breeding of animals in inadequate conditions with insufficient care, often by people with little experience...
What is a ‘registered breeder’? The term ‘registered breeder’ generally means one of the following: 1. Registration with a breed club or association Dog and...
How are beef cattle reared? Beef cattle are reared outdoors in all Australian states and territories. Southern areas with good pasture have herds with a...
What are the animal welfare issues with genetic modification of farm animals? Genetic modification (GM) of farm animals started in the early 1980s. Most research on GM farm animals (cattle, sheep, pigs,...
Should I breed from my horse? The first question you should seriously ask yourself is why do you want to breed a foal? Horse breeding should...
What is a mating stall for pigs and is it different to a sow stall? A mating stall is a crate used to hold a female pig for artificial insemination. A mating stall allows the...
What happens to breeding and dairy cattle exported overseas? Each year, Australia exports tens of thousands of dairy cattle and breeding animals to countries all over the world to...
What are the welfare issues associated with narrowed nostrils in dogs (stenotic nares)? Some dogs have a condition from birth where their nostrils are narrowed or constricted; this is called stenotic nares [1]....
What are the health and welfare issues associated with exaggerated physical features in cats? There is increasing evidence showing that cats who have been bred to have exaggerated physical features (such as flat faces)...
What is Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)? Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is a breed-related disorder that means affected animals cannot breathe normally and this significantly compromises...