The RSPCA believes that nose ringing for the purpose of controlling bulls is only acceptable when performed by a veterinarian. The ring should be smooth and well-fitting and must not inflict pain. The procedure requires appropriate restraint, the use of local anaesthetics, and proper post-operative procedures to aid healing without…
An electronic identification tag enables farm animals to be tracked from their property of birth through to slaughter. The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) tag is placed in the animal’s ear and stays with the animal on farm, during transport, at saleyards and at the abattoir. The use of the…
Tethering is where an animal is fastened by a chain to a central anchor point, causing it to be confined to a specific area. Tethering is sometimes used as a method of confining grazing farm animals (such as horses, donkeys, sheep, goats or cattle) under conditions which may otherwise cause…
The frequency of exceptionally hot years, low rainfall and low soil moisture has been increasing in recent decades and this trend is expected to continue across Australia in the years to come. The resulting droughts are not isolated events; they occur over vast areas across the country and have significant…
The RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme is Australia’s leading independent certification scheme focused on animal welfare. Through the Scheme the RSPCA works closely with farmers committed to raising turkeys to higher animal welfare standards. Since releasing our first animal welfare standards for turkeys in 2010, more than 2.4 million turkeys have…
The process of killing an animal for the purpose of producing meat and meat products is referred to as slaughter. There are a number of steps involved from the time an animal leaves the farm until they are slaughtered and processed into meat and meat products. In Australia, the slaughter…
A number of plants are poisonous to pets. These can cause serious illness and even death in some cases. It’s important to check the safety of any plants before your pets have access to them. If you’re unsure about the safety of a particular plant, talk to your veterinarian for…
Cocoa Mulch is also known as ‘Cocoa Bean Mulch’ or ‘Cocoa Shell Mulch’ and is used as a mulch in home gardens in some countries. It is a byproduct of the manufacture of cocoa powder and other chocolate products. There have been several reports of pets being poisoned by cocoa…
Laws relating to the welfare of animals vary in different states. In some states, companion animal breeders have to be registered, which may also require meeting certain standards of care but in other states, breeder registration and/or standards may not exist (see Table below). Specific requirements are often contained within associated…
The term ‘registered breeder’ generally means one of the following: 1. Registration with a breed club or association Dog and cat breeders are often referred to as ‘registered breeders’ when they are members of a breed association or club (which operates a stud book or register) or another breeder association….