• What are the penalties for animal cruelty offences?

    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…

  • Is the tail docking of dogs legal in Australia?

    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…

  • Is the use of electronic dog collars legal?

    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…

  • Is the use of cat or dog fur legal in Australia?

    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…

  • Can native animals be kept as pets?

    RSPCA believes that wild animals, even if they are captive-bred, should not be kept as pets unless there is clear evidence that they will have a good quality of life, their needs can be met, accurate care information is available, a suitably experienced veterinarian is utilised as needed, and the…

  • Where can I find information on best practice management of wild deer?

    RSPCA Australia acknowledges that, in certain circumstances, it is necessary to manage populations of wild animals in order to reduce adverse impacts on human activities, health and wellbeing or the environment and also to protect the welfare of individual animals. When undertaken, the RSPCA believes management activities must use methods…

  • Where can I find information on best practice management of pest birds?

    RSPCA Australia acknowledges that, in certain circumstances, it is necessary to manage populations of wild animals in order to reduce adverse impacts on human activities, health and wellbeing or the environment and also to protect the welfare of individual animals. When undertaken, the RSPCA believes management activities must use methods…

  • Where can I find information on best practice management of hares?

    RSPCA Australia acknowledges that, in certain circumstances, it is necessary to manage populations of wild animals in order to reduce adverse impacts on human activities, health and wellbeing or the environment and also to protect the welfare of individual animals. When undertaken, the RSPCA believes management activities must use methods…

  • Where can I find information on best practice management of feral horses?

    RSPCA Australia acknowledges that, in certain circumstances, it is necessary to manage populations of wild animals in order to reduce adverse impacts on human activities, health and wellbeing or the environment and also to protect the welfare of individual animals. When undertaken, the RSPCA believes management activities must use methods…

  • Where can I find information on best practice management of feral donkeys?

    RSPCA Australia acknowledges that, in certain circumstances, it is necessary to manage populations of wild animals in order to reduce adverse impacts on human activities, health and wellbeing or the environment and also to protect the welfare of individual animals. When undertaken, the RSPCA believes management activities must use methods…