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...
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...
What do I need to consider before transporting my pet by air? There are a number of important factors to be aware of when considering transporting your pet by air, domestically or...
Can I have a pet while renting or living in a strata property? The information presented here is not intended to be relied on for legal advice and you should seek advice from...
Why is chocolate toxic to dogs and other animals? Chocolate contains cocoa, and cocoa contains the compound theobromine. Theobromine is toxic to dogs and other animals at certain doses....
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 RSPCA’s view on keeping native animals as pets? In the past, native animals could not be kept as companion animals unless a government permit was issued. However, over...
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...
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...
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...
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...
How can I ensure my farm animals’ welfare during the COVID-19 pandemic? It is vital that you make plans to ensure that your farm animals, are well-looked after if you need to...
How can I socialise my puppy, even with the challenges of 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? It is vital that you make plans to ensure that your horse is well-looked after if you need to self-isolate,...
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...
Do animals get infected with SARS-CoV-2 or get COVID-19? There are now many millions of cases globally of human infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19. There is...
Are domestic animals involved in the spread of COVID-19? There are now many millions of cases globally of human infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19. There is...
How can I prepare my pets for easing of COVID-19 restrictions? Many of our companion animals have benefitted from having their people at home all of the time during the COVID-19...
What is Ehrlichiosis? Ehrlichiosis is a disease primarily affecting dogs that is spread by the brown dog tick. This disease can be fatal...