Leptospirosis is a disease which can affect animals and humans, caused by infection with bacteria called Leptospira. Leptospirosis can cause kidney failure and liver failure, and occasionally severe lung disease and bleeding disorders in animals. The clinical signs of leptospirosis vary considerably from no signs of infection, to just a…
Rat baits are dangerous and potentially deadly to animals and people that consume them. The baits used are normally flavoured to make them attractive to rodents and these can also entice other animals to eat them. Dogs and cats who ingest rat baits may die. Even children have sometimes been poisoned…
It is important that when a new dog or puppy is being introduced, that this is done very carefully and ensuring that children are directly supervised at all times. Introducing a new canine member to the family is a special and exciting time but can be a little overwhelming for…
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…
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…