Desexing has many benefits, including health benefits for your cat and a reduction in nuisance behaviours. What is desexing and how is it done? A qualified veterinarian performs routine surgery to remove the cat’s reproductive organs in order to prevent breeding. In males this is called castration and in females…
The RSPCA has developed the RSPCA Guidelines for the Online Advertising of Pets to assist websites who trade pets online. As more Australians turn to the internet to search for their new pet, this has important implications for traceability, accountability and animal welfare. The community expects platforms enabling the online…
What is the National Wool Declaration? In 2008, the Australian Wool Exchange (through which around 90% of Australian wool is sold) introduced the National Wool Declaration (NWD). This declaration allows wool growers to voluntarily communicate the mulesing status of their sheep to wool buyers at auction [1]. Wool growers are…
While the internet is a great way to research and look for your new best friend, you should absolutely avoid buying an animal online sight unseen. Poor practices can place animals at serious risk, and can also mean consumers risk being deceived and disappointed. With so many things to consider…
The cardinal rule when looking for a dog or cat online is never buy an animal without meeting them in person. The RSPCA encourages prospective owners to adopt an animal from the RSPCA or other reputable animal welfare, rehoming, or rescue organisation. Check your local RSPCA animal care centre and…
Dental disease is one of the most common conditions affecting companion animals; approximately 80% of cats and dogs over three years of age in Australia will show some degree of dental disease. At-home dental care and regular dental check-ups are important parts of responsible companion animal care. Regular dental checks…
RSPCA Inspectors employed by RSPCA ACT, RSPCA New South Wales, RSPCA Victoria, RSPCA South Australia, RSPCA Tasmania, RSPCA Queensland and RSPCA Western Australia have legal jurisdiction over horses in relation to animal welfare legislation within their respective states. RSPCA Inspectors work in conjunction with officers of the relevant government department,…
RSPCA Inspectors employed by RSPCA ACT, RSPCA New South Wales, RSPCA South Australia, RSPCA Tasmania and RSPCA Western Australia have legal jurisdiction over commercial farming activities in relation to animal welfare legislation within their respective states. These RSPCA Inspectors will also work in conjunction with officers of the relevant government…
As with other rodeo events, the RSPCA is opposed to bull riding because of the potential for significant injury, suffering and stress to the animals involved. Rodeos are held in all Australia states and territories except for the Australian Capital Territory, where they are prohibited. Key animal welfare issues Fear and…
Paintball guns are pneumatic firearms driven by compressed gas. While it is clear that under no circumstances should a paintball gun be used on an animal for recreational or malicious purposes, they are used in Australia and overseas to mark or identify wildlife and livestock for research and management purposes….