The correct selection and fitting of gear is very important if you want your horse to be relaxed and to be able to work for you without being uncomfortable or in pain. A horse cannot work well in badly fitting gear in just the same way that you cannot walk…
The RSPCA is opposed to the use of whips for the purpose of enhancing performance in racing due to the pain and distress they inflict on horses. The RSPCA supports the introduction of hands-and-heels racing where whips are carried for safety purposes where proven necessary. The use of whips in…
Jumps racing poses many welfare risks to racehorses which can result in significant pain, injury, distress and death. Thoroughbred jumps racing comprises either hurdle or steeple obstacles which are at least 1 metre in height. Jumps races are at least 3km long (at least 1km longer than flat races) and,…
Since 2009, all jockeys in Thoroughbred racing in Australia have been required to use a whip which is padded at the end, replacing conventional whips which have no padding, This change was introduced in response to concerns raised about the pain caused by the use of whips and the introduction…
The average age at which Thoroughbred horses commence racing is three years, but in Australia, some horses start their racing careers as two-year-olds. One reason for starting horses at this age is that once racing commences, horses can begin to earn money, and an early start increases the potential financial…
This article provides a summary of the key problems associated with the horse racing industry that need to be resolved in order to protect the welfare of racehorses. For further information on these topics please follow the links at the end of the article. 1. Oversupply of racehorses To increase…
RSPCA Approved chicken, eggs, pork, turkey and salmon come from animals raised to higher welfare standards as part of the RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme. With RSPCA Approved now widely available in supermarkets, convenience stores and on the menu at many restaurants, it’s easier than ever for Australians to choose products…
Some of the ways you can act to help improve livestock farming practices for better animal welfare: learning more about livestock farming practices so that you have the facts right before you act writing to the Australian Government minister for agriculture, your state or territory agriculture (or primary industries) minister,…
Most animal welfare issues are the responsibility of State and Territory governments. If you are concerned about an animal welfare issue and you would like to see a change in government policy on this issue, one of the best ways to do something about it is to write to your…
Making higher welfare food choices leads to increased uptake of higher welfare farming practices along the supply chain. This in turn leads to farm animals benefitting from better conditions. Higher welfare food, also referred to as ‘humane food’, is meat, eggs and dairy that have come from animals farmed to…