Is it legal to have unrestrained dogs on ute trays or other open vehicles? As outlined in the table below, legislation in all Australian states and territories specifically prohibit people from transporting dogs unrestrained...
Is it legal to keep native animals as pets? The keeping of wildlife as pets is subject to specific licensing requirements – please contact your State or Territory government...
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...
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...
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 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...
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...
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...
Is it mandatory to register domestic dogs and cats? The information presented here is not intended to be relied on for legal advice and you should seek advice from...
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...
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...
Is there legislation relating to the ownership of specific breeds of dog? Legislation about dog breeds is commonly known as breed-specific legislation. This controls the importation and requirements for keeping some specific...
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...