What is animal sentience and why is it important? Animal sentience is the capacity of an animal to experience different feelings such as suffering or pleasure. Negative feelings or...
What is the Australian legislation governing animal welfare? There are no national laws applying to animal welfare, but all states and territories regulate animal welfare in their jurisdiction....
Is it legal to have unrestrained dogs on ute trays or other open vehicles? As outlined in the table below, legislation in many Australian states and territories specifically prohibit people from transporting dogs unrestrained...
Can native animals be kept as pets? RSPCA believes that wild animals, even if they are captive-bred, should not be kept as pets unless there is clear...
Is microchipping mandatory for cats and dogs? A microchip is a small rice-grain sized chip that is placed just below the skin in the back of the...
What laws are necessary to stop puppy farming? Puppy farming is considered to be a major animal welfare issue in Australia. The RSPCA has dedicated considerable time and...
Do the rules of the World Trade Organisation affect our animal welfare laws? International trade has increased exponentially since the 1950s, including Australia’s imports and exports of animals and animal-derived products. The World...
How are national farm animal welfare standards developed? Animal welfare laws in Australia are governed at the state and territory level and every jurisdiction has its own animal...
Should Australia have a national body to oversee animal welfare? Given that animals play an important role in the lives of all Australians, the RSPCA strongly believes that we need...
How can our animal welfare laws be improved? Animal welfare laws in Australia are governed at the state and territory level. As such, there are eight separate animal...
What are Ag-gag laws and how would they affect transparency and trust in animal production? An “Ag-gag” law is the name given to legislation designed to curb the rise in animal activist monitoring and investigative...
Is hot iron branding of cattle legal in Australia? The use of hot iron branding of livestock including cattle, horses and other animals is legal in all States and...
Why does the RSPCA oppose the export of racing greyhounds? RSPCA Australia opposes the export of Australian racing greyhounds because it puts them at significant risk of poor animal welfare...
Is cock fighting legal in Australia? Cockfighting, as well as possessing any fighting equipment for cockfighting, is illegal in all states and territories across Australia. Despite...
Is dog fighting legal in Australia? Dog fighting is illegal in Australia. It is also illegal to possess any fighting equipment designed for dog fighting. Despite...
What are the animal welfare issues with greyhound racing? RSPCA Australia considers that there are significant ongoing animal welfare problems in the greyhound racing industry. Some of the key...
Is the use of live baits and lures in greyhound racing illegal? RSPCA Australia is opposed to the use of live animals or animal carcasses or any part of an animal as...
Are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander hunters exempt from animal cruelty laws? No, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander hunters must comply with the laws relating to animal cruelty in all states and...
What are trophy and canned hunting and are they legal in Australia? Hunting animals for sport poses significant animal welfare risks in relation to the pursuit of animals, use of dogs, injuries...