RSPCA Policy E4 Utilisation of wild animals

Farming of wild animals

The RSPCA opposes the taking of animals from the wild for the purpose of farming (defined as the breeding, rearing and slaughter of animals for commercial purposes), due to the inherent risk of welfare compromise and the inability to meet the physical and mental needs of the animals in the capture, transport, handling and long-term confinement of these animals, and potential effects on the ecosystem from where they are taken.

Hunting of wild animals

The RSPCA opposes the hunting of any animal for sport.

The RSPCA opposes the breeding and release of animals into ‘game parks’ for the purpose of hunting for sport.

Where wild animals are hunted for subsistence, this must be conducted humanely and with regard to relevant laws and the conservation status of the species involved.

Killing of wild animals for commercial purposes

The RSPCA is opposed to the killing of wild animals for commercial utilisation (i.e. for food or other animal products) unless this is carried out as part of a wild animal management program that meets the criteria specified in Policy E2.

Keeping of wild animals as pets

The RSPCA opposes the taking of animals from the wild to be kept as pets due to unacceptable animal welfare risks arising from the capture, transport, handling, and long-term confinement of these animals, and potential effects on the ecosystem from which they are taken.

The RSPCA opposes the taking of animals from the wild to be kept as pets due to unacceptable animal welfare risks arising from the capture, transport, handling, and long-term confinement of these animals, and potential effects on the ecosystem from which they are taken.

Characteristics which indicate suitability for a native species to be kept as a pet include:

• readily available accurate information on the husbandry, care, and veterinary treatment of the species
• availability of suitably qualified veterinarians
• the physical and mental needs of the species can readily be met in a home environment
• the behavioural attributes of the species are compatible with being kept in a home environment throughout their lifetime
• the species poses no significant health or public safety risk to humans or other animals.

The RSPCA opposes the keeping of endangered native animals as pets.

In jurisdictions where some native species are permitted to be kept as pets, the RSPCA advocates the adoption of mandatory species-specific welfare standards and guidelines and auditing and enforcement of compliance.

Breeding of wild animals

The RSPCA opposes genetic selection of traits or genetic manipulation of wild animals where this causes or predisposes breeding animals and/or their offspring to injury, pain, suffering, or distress and/or is not beneficial to the animals involved.