Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans (zoonosis). It is caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), which can infect any warm-blooded animal. What is T. gondii? T. gondii must pass through cats to complete its life cycle (they are the definitive host, or…
Dogs in the office Companion dogs can benefit the physical and mental health of people. Having companion dogs in an office can be a very positive experience in the working environment for both workers and the dogs! It’s important however to ensure this does not adversely impact on the health,…
The RSPCA is recognised as Australia’s leading authority on animal care and protection. This is largely due to its role in enforcing state and territory animal welfare legislation through the employment of approximately 100 RSPCA Inspectors nationwide. RSPCA Inspectors are appointed under state and territory law to investigate reports of…
Animal sentience is the capacity of an animal to experience different feelings such as suffering or pleasure. Negative feelings or emotions include pain, fear, boredom and frustration, whilst positive emotions include contentment and joy. Sentience also extends to an animal’s ability to learn from experience and other animals, assess risks…
Exporting livestock for slaughter in foreign countries poses significant and unavoidable risks to animal welfare. These risks are inherent to the trade and include the stress and distress caused by loading ruminant grazing animals onto ships to be sent on long voyages and subjected to unfamiliar feed, extreme changes in…
Penalties for animal cruelty offences vary in each jurisdiction, but all have provisions for jail terms and fines. The maximum penalties outlined in the table below can apply to both deliberate and negligent acts of animal cruelty (except for those prescribed under the NSW Crimes Act as specified below). As…
In 2004, the cosmetic tail docking of dogs was banned nationwide. This means that a veterinary surgeon must not dock a dog’s tail unless it is for a therapeutic purpose or in the dog’s best interests to do so. The relevant provisions are set out in the table below: The…
The RSPCA is opposed to the use of any electronically activated devices which deliver electric shocks (e.g., anti-barking collars, invisible boundaries) or other aversive stimuli (e.g., high-pitched sounds, citronella). Such devices involve punishment, and inflict pain, fear and discomfort. * Information current as of 19 December 2022. This information is…
Under regulation 4W of the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (Cth), the importation into Australia of cat or dog fur is prohibited unless the importer is authorised by the Minister for Immigration and Boarder Protection. However, the use of cat or dog fur is not expressly banned within Australia. The…