RSPCA Policy E6 Import and export of wild animals

The RSPCA opposes the import or export of animals taken from the wild as the capture, transportation, confinement, and acclimatisation of wild animals poses risks of injury, pain, suffering, or distress.

Export of captive-bred native animals should only be permitted where it is being done to protect and conserve an endangered species and from a government-approved facility in Australia to an equivalent government-approved facility overseas where adequate care can be guaranteed.

The RSPCA urges that priority be given to implement measures to combat the illegal wildlife trade (including body parts) to improve detection, early intervention, and appropriate treatment of confiscated animals.