RSPCA Australia considers that the welfare of an animal includes both physical and mental states. Ensuring good animal welfare goes beyond preventing pain, suffering or distress and minimising negative experiences, to ensuring animals can express their natural behaviour in an enriching environment, feel safe, have healthy positive experiences and a…
Most farm animals will be transported at some point in their life. For example, animals may be transported to other farms, saleyards, feedlots, abattoirs or export ports. In Australia, the transport of pigs, poultry, cattle and sheep is quite common and, particularly for sheep and cattle, may involve journey times…
Bits and tie-downs are types of equipment used on riding horses in Australia and internationally. The main welfare concerns associated with the use of bits and tie-downs is that they have the capacity to cause pain and discomfort to horses, and to restrict normal horse movement and function. Bits Bits…
There are now many millions of cases globally of human infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19. There is also evidence that many animal species (domestic and wild) may become infected with SARS-CoV-2 from humans infected with the virus [1]. However, the evidence indicates that animals do not play…
There are now many millions of cases globally of human infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus which causes COVID-19. There is also evidence that many animal species (domestic and wild) may become infected with SARS-CoV-2 from humans infected with the virus [1]. However, the evidence indicates that animals do not play…
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 from people has been suspected or documented in dogs, cats, ferrets, and hamsters [1]. Although many individual domestic animals have now been shown to have been infected with SARS-CoV-2 [1],…
‘One Welfare’ is the concept that animal welfare depends on and influences human welfare and environmental sustainability [1]. This considers mental health as well as physical health and is thus an extension of the One Health concept. In practice, this concept calls for veterinarians and related animal services such…
Gingivitis and stomatitis both involve inflammation of the mouth tissues and can be painful and affect your cat’s health. Gingivitis Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. Every time a cat eats, bacteria, proteins, and dead cells form a thin film over the hard surface of the tooth. This thin film…
‘One Health’ is the concept that animal health and human health are interdependent and bound to the health of the ecosystems in which they exist [1]. The concept aims to foster collaboration and communication between animal and human health services to achieve better public and animal health than either service could…
Owning a cat brings joy to many thousands of Australians. Cat owners also have responsibilities to help their cats live happy, safe and healthy lives. Microchipping, identification, and registration A microchip is a small electronic chip that can be scanned by a microchip reader to show a unique number. The…