Drones, which are remote controlled aircraft, can be used to monitor animals for research or for their welfare. So, whilst drones may provide some potential benefits, there is currently very little information regarding the direct effects of drones on animals. There are many factors involved including different species of animals,…
Pronged collars (also known as a pinch or constriction collar) are illegal to import into Australia but are only illegal to use on dogs in Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland. The RSPCA is opposed to the import, sale, or use of equipment used to modify the behaviour of a companion animal…
Habitat loss and fragmentation are significant threats to the welfare of individual animals, biodiversity and species survival. RSPCA Australia recognises the critical need to prevent these negative impacts. Impact on animal welfare Habitat loss (degradation and/or destruction) and fragmentation (turning large areas of habitat into smaller disconnected patches) may result…
Cashmere is a fine fibre that is obtained from Cashmere goats and other similar breeds. The animal welfare issues relate largely to the collection of this fibre, which in many parts of the world is done using a metal comb with sharp teeth. The combing process is painful and prolonged,…
Animal sentience is the capacity of an animal to experience different feelings such as suffering or pleasure. The onset of sentience, that is the life stage at which an animal becomes sentient, is a highly contentious topic but it’s important as it forms the basis of decisions regarding animal foetuses….
There are specific infections that can be transmitted between animals and humans which may cause disease; these are known as ‘zoonotic diseases’ or zoonoses. Any animal can potentially be involved in transmitting or can potentially be infected by a human with a zoonotic infection, including companion animals, farm animals, and…
Chicken is the most popular meat consumed by Australians – on average, Australians eat 47 kg of chicken each year. This high demand coupled with a consumer expectation of low prices, leads to the production of genetically selected breeds of meat chicken, chosen for their ability to grow to large…
Access to adequate light and periods of darkness are necessary for meat chicken welfare, as they encourage natural behaviours including appropriate physical activity and rest. In conventional commercial systems, meat chickens can be housed in tunnel-ventilated sheds without access to an outdoor area, and usually don’t have access to natural…
For meat chickens to experience good welfare, it’s important that their environment is stimulating and enriching, and allows them to exhibit their natural behaviours. These behaviours include perching, dust bathing, foraging, ground scratching, and stretching and flapping their wings. Having access to environments that allow meat chickens to display natural…
Chickens in the meat industry are sometimes required to be euthanased on-farm if they are weak, sick, injured or unable to walk and will not recover with treatment. As with all euthanasia of animals, it is important that the method used is humane, meaning the method chosen either kills the…