What is the RSPCA’s view on breed-specific legislation? Breed specific legislation (BSL) consists of legal restrictions on the importation, sale, keeping and rehoming of certain types of dogs...
Are fish protected by animal welfare legislation? The status of fish under State and Territory animal welfare legislation depends on whether they are included in the definition...
Should pet greyhounds have to wear muzzles? In some Australian jurisdictions, there is a compulsory requirement for pet greyhounds to wear a muzzle in public. Greyhound muzzling...
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...
Can the RSPCA prosecute farmers for performing painful husbandry procedures without anaesthetic or pain relief? The RSPCA can only prosecute farmers for cruelty if they have broken laws relating to animal welfare that apply in...
Why can’t the RSPCA prosecute farmers for keeping animals in intensive systems? Intensive farming methods involve removing animals from their natural environments and keeping them housed or confined for all, or a...
Do laws protect animals used in rodeos? There is increasing public concern regarding the welfare of horses and cattle used in rodeos due to the potential risks...
Is it legal to sell exotic animals such as monkeys or tigers as pets in Australia? RSPCA Australia receives many enquiries about exotic animals such as monkeys, tigers and lions for sale over the internet. These animals...
Are crustaceans protected by animal welfare legislation? Crustaceans are a group of invertebrate animals, which most notably include crabs, crayfish, lobsters, and prawns. Whether they are protected...
Are squid and octopi protected by animal welfare legislation? Cephalopods are a group of invertebrate animals, which include octopi, squid, cuttlefish and nautili. The protection of cephalopods under animal...
Is eating cats or dogs legal? RSPCA Australia is opposed to the use of dogs and cats for fur or food as these animals have a...
Which States allow recreational hunting in National Parks? Recreational hunters are, or have been, permitted under strict controls in specified national parks in Victoria, Western Australia, Queensland and...
How is the live export trade regulated in Australia? Exporting livestock for slaughter in foreign countries poses significant and unavoidable risks to animal welfare. These risks are inherent to...
Is religious slaughter legal in Australia? Religious slaughter, also known as ritual slaughter, is the slaughter of livestock according to specific religious principles. There are two...
Is the tail docking of dogs legal in Australia? In 2004, the cosmetic tail docking of dogs was banned nationwide. This means that a veterinary surgeon must not dock...
Is the use of electronic dog collars legal? The RSPCA is opposed to the use of any electronically activated devices which deliver electric shocks (e.g., anti-barking collars, invisible...
Is the use of cat or dog fur legal in Australia? Under regulation 4W of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (Cth), the importation into Australia of cat or dog fur...
What does ‘RSPCA’ stand for? ‘RSPCA’ stands for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This name is registered in each State...
What are the penalties for animal cruelty offences? Penalties for animal cruelty offences vary in each jurisdiction, but all have provisions for jail terms and fines. The maximum...
How are RSPCA Inspectors accountable under law? The RSPCA is recognised as Australia’s leading authority on animal care and protection. This is largely due to its role...