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...
Can the risk of free-range poultry contracting bird flu be managed? ‘Bird flu’ is the common name for avian influenza (AI). It is a highly contagious virus and potentially zoonotic disease...
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...
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 Crustaceans show responses consistent with...
How can I prepare for COVID-19 self-isolation so that my pets and I stay safe? There are a number of ways you can prepare for COVID-19 self-isolation so you and your pets stay safe. The...
What do I need to do if I or a close contact contracts COVID-19 to keep us and our pets safe? There are a number of ways you can prepare for the possibility that you or a close contact will contract...
What do I need to prepare for my pets in case I require hospitalisation due to COVID-19? There are a number of ways you can prepare for the possibility that you require hospitalisation due to COVID-19. There...
What should I do to keep myself, my pets, and others safe while practising social distancing? The human-animal bond people share with their companion animals is very important and can provide much needed support, comfort and companionship to...
Can I leave my home to care for animals during the COVID-19 pandemic? It is your responsibility to protect the welfare of animals in your care at all times. You have a legal...
How should I look after my backyard hens during the COVID-19 pandemic? It is your responsibility to protect the welfare of any animal in your care at all times. Not only does...
How can I ensure my farm animal’s welfare during COVID-19 restrictions? There is currently no evidence that domestic animals (pets or farm animals) or Australian wildlife play a role in the...
How can I socialise my puppy during the COVID-19 pandemic? There are many ways that you can make sure that your puppy has lots of different and positive experiences that...
How can I ensure my horses welfare during COVID-19 restrictions? During COVID-19 restrictions, you will need to continue to care for your horses while maintaining social distancing and minimising travel....
Can people infect pets with the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2)? There is some evidence that cats, dogs, hamsters and ferrets are vulnerable to being infected with SARS-CoV-2 from close contact...
What information do we have about the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and domestic animals? It appears that it is rare for domestic animals to become ill when naturally infected with SARS-CoV-2 and this has...
Do domestic animals spread novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19)? There is no evidence that domestic animals can transmit the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) to people or that...
How can I prepare my pets for easing of COVID-19 restrictions? Many of our companion animals are benefiting from having their people at home all of the time during the COVID-19...
What are animal welfare and public health concerns associated with ‘wet markets’? ‘Wet markets’ have individual stalls selling fresh food, similar to a farmers’ market. This may be under cover or in...
What is Ehrlichiosis? Ehrlichiosis is a disease primarily affecting dogs that is spread by the brown dog tick. This disease can be fatal...
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...