RSPCA Policy C10 Hunting and angling for sport and recreation
| 10.1 | Hunting See RSPCA policy E02 Management of wild animals and RSPCA Policy E04 Utilisation of wild animals. |
| 10.2 | Angling |
| 10.2.1 | The RSPCA recognises that the available scientific evidence demonstrates that fish and cephalopods are sentient animals capable of experiencing pain and suffering. Anglers should use practices which minimise pain, injury, or suffering during capture, handling, killing, or release (e.g. humane killing as soon as possible after capture, use of non-stainless steel, circular, and barbless hooks etc.). |
| 10.2.2 | The RSPCA opposes blue water fishing for sport due to the inherent and significant risks of prolonged pain, injury, suffering, and distress to the fish involved. |
| 10.2.3 | Lead must not be used in angling due to the potential to negatively impact waterbirds and the environment. Fishing gear such as lines, hooks, lures, and plastics must be disposed of responsibly to minimise risks of injury to wildlife through ingestion and/or entanglement. |
| 10.2.4 | The RSPCA advocates the adoption of mandated and enforced animal welfare standards for recreational angling. |
| 10.2.5 | Live vertebrates must not be used as bait for angling. |
| 10.2.6 | The RSPCA advocates that fish and cephalopods are included under the definition of ‘animal’ in animal welfare legislation across all jurisdictions and without exceptions. |
| 10.2.7 | When releasing fish caught for sport and recreation*, steps must be taken to minimise inherent and significant risks of prolonged pain, injury, suffering and distress. |
| 10.2.8 | To prevent further suffering, fish and cephalopods must be killed as quickly and humanely as possible after being caught or if they are to be released, this must be done immediately after humanely removing the hook or cutting the line. |
Notes:
Hunting for sport and recreation includes, but is not limited to, hunting with hounds, coursing, pig hunting, bow hunting, trophy hunting and all forms of recreational shooting (e.g. kangaroo shooting, duck, quail and other game shooting).
Bluewater fishing is a form of fishing for sport or recreation generally using a rod and reel from a motorboat where caught fish may be ‘played’ for extended periods before finally being landed. Large fish such as tuna and marlin as well as sharks are usually targeted.
* This includes intentional ‘catch and release’ or where fish are rejected due to size, species etc.
RSPCA policies reflect the best available evidence to direct and guide RSPCA and others, to promote and achieve good animal welfare outcomes.
Reference to ‘the RSPCA’ or ‘RSPCA’ in this document means RSPCA Australia and each of the RSPCA Australia member Societies.
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