What is the RSPCA’s view on dubbing poultry for show purposes?
The RSPCA regularly receives complaints from members of the public regarding the practice of dubbing of exhibition poultry. RSPCA policy on surgical animal husbandry procedures is clear:
RSPCA Australia is opposed to any invasive animal husbandry procedure for which there is no established need, which only benefit the human handler of the animals concerned, or that is performed to overcome the adverse effects upon animals of the production system they are in.
Our position is that any surgical procedure should only be carried out for the purpose of benefiting the animal concerned. The practice of dubbing, often carried out by lay operators without anaesthetic, is a cause of pain and distress. Blood circulating from the comb to the wattles helps the bird to regulate its body temperature during hot weather. Removing either wattle or comb clearly serves no benefit to the bird.
The Model Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals: Domestic Poultry states that dubbing should be carried out by a competent operator. However, the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Captive Birds in the ACT states that dubbing is prohibited in the ACT under the Animal Welfare Act 1992 (ref article19A(3) which states that a vet can’t carry out a medical procedure for cosmetic purposes only).
The Australian Poultry Standards currently allow dubbed fowl to be exhibited at shows. The RSPCA believes that these, and all other standards that refer to dubbing must be amended to exclude dubbed animals from exhibition. This would send a clear message to poultry stud breeders and exhibitors that dubbing is a cruel and unacceptable practice.
RSPCA Australia believes that captive-bred wild animals should not be kept in a home environment or for companion purposes unless the species has been clearly identified as being suitable for this purpose. It is important that animals living in a home environment can live a good life. This means providing for their physical health and ensuring opportunities to fully express their individual interests and experience good welfare. Inadequate care and husbandry are reported to contribute to common and serious welfare compromises in many captive wild animals living in home environments. For more information see our policy.
The reality is, however, that captive-bred wild animals are kept in home environments despite sometimes not meeting these criteria (e.g., some reptile and bird species). Because of this, the RSPCA has produced these articles on the care and welfare of a variety of commonly kept captive-bred wild animals. The aim is to help people better understand their animals as individuals and provide them with care that keeps them healthy and provides opportunities for positive mental experiences as much as possible in captivity.
Wild animals must not be taken from the wild to be kept as companion animals (pets).
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