Policy statements are adopted, or later amended, on the unanimous vote of the RSPCA Australia member Societies, and following the recommendation of the Animal Welfare Policy Review Committee (AWPRC) and the RSPCA Australia Board. Compliance with policy statements is binding on all member Societies. Position papers are adopted, or later…

An RSPCA Australia research report uses scientific evidence to examine a specific emerging animal welfare issue in depth. It is similar in structure to a literature review in a scientific journal, fully referenced, but may not be as comprehensive. Research reports provide an analysis, summary and conclusions based on the available…

An RSPCA Australia policy statement is a straightforward statement or declaration of RSPCA policy on a particular animal welfare matter governance or operational topic or subject. Policy statements are usually short and concise and include a clear description and a brief rationale of the basis for the policy for example:…

Development of a policy statement or position paper begins with a discussion paper drafted by the RSPCA Australia office or any member Society and presented to the RSPCA Australia Board. This is held as a record of the basis for the position. The paper should include an explanation of the…

An RSPCA Australia position paper is an explanatory document and is intended to be more comprehensive than an RSPCA policy on a particular topic or subject. A position paper may include a restatement of a related policy but it also contains background information and discussion or statements of how policy…

An RSPCA Australia discussion paper is a document which attempts to examine current opinion and evidence on a specific animal welfare issue. A discussion paper may reflect differing perspectives, but should provide balanced information on a particular topic. It may include recommendations on what position the RSPCA should take (and may…

RSPCA Australia information/fact sheets are documents or short articles that provide plain English advice on a specific animal welfare issue based on RSPCA policy. The target audience is the general public and the access point is usually through the RSPCA Australia Knowledgebase. References, suggestions for further reading or links to other…