Captive animals

RSPCA Australia is opposed to any degree of confinement likely to cause suffering. Capture, transportation and acclimatisation of animals causing distress and suffering are unacceptable. As there are already large numbers of animals in captivity, and more being bred, further capture should also be prohibited. Animals need to be kept in such a way which is appropriate to their respective species, in sufficient space containing the necessary shelter and cover so as not to cause stress or suffering.

Performing animals

RSPCA Australia is opposed to the use of animals for any form of entertainment where suffering is likely to be caused. ‘Entertainment’ is an inclusive term taking in all animal acts including the use of animals by street traders etc.

RSPCA Australia is totally opposed to exhibitions or presentations of animals in circuses, travelling menageries and theatres:

1. Circus animals are kept most of the time in close confinement, in abnormal social groups and are continually being transported—all causes of stress.
2. They are subjected to forced training, performing to a timetable and performing acts which do not come naturally to them.

RSPCA Australia is concerned that, whensoever they be used, animals shall not be caused any suffering or distress.

Rodeos

RSPCA Australia is opposed to rodeos.

Bull fighting, cock fighting, dog fighting and other forms of animal combat

RSPCA Australia is opposed to the use of animals in any form of combat whether against man or beast.

Use of horses in entertainment and sport

The RSPCA believes that horses should not be used for sport or entertainment when such use is likely to increase the risk of injury, suffering or distress to the animals or is contrary to their natural behaviour and training.

The Society believes that clubs/associations/individuals responsible for organising events in which horses will participate should be responsible for the proper conduct of these events as required by a code of practice which would specifically:

1. Require permits to be obtained to conduct the event and enable its cancellation if any of the requirements were not met or contravened.
2. Require courses to be fairly designed to allow fit and trained animals to complete them uninjured.
3. Exclude the use of performance enhancing/reducing equipment or devices such as spurs, whips, drugs, or neurectomy, and the use of medication which would then enable an injured horse to compete.
4. Postpone the conduct of events if the weather, ground or temperature conditions were such that competing horses could be endangered or likely to suffer.
5. Require veterinary declaration of horses’ fitness to perform and continue to perform in the particular event and that a veterinarian be in attendance for its duration.

Two-year-old horses

The RSPCA is opposed to the racing of immature horses and supports the requirement that veterinary certification verifying that the animal has matured satisfactorily be received to permit training to commence.

Endurance and bush races

The RSPCA can only support the conduct of endurance or bush races when they are held under regulated circumstances where the animals are fit and well trained, regularly checked by experienced veterinarians and are withdrawn at the first sign of distress and where the courses and obstacles are fair and reasonable.

Steeplechasing and hurdling

The RSPCA is opposed to jumping races.

Use of whips and spurs

The RSPCA is opposed to the use of whips and spurs as their potential for inflicting pain and injury is too great.

Other events

The RSPCA has no objection to horse events such as show jumping, equestrian turnouts, etc so long as the horses are fit and appropriately trained and so long as no action by officials or participants leads to or causes suffering in the course of the event or training program. The RSPCA specifically excludes pony clubs from the need to obtain permits and veterinary declarations.

Greyhound racing

RSPCA Australia supports liaison with the Greyhound Racing Control Board and the National Coursing Association in each state to eliminate cruel practices associated with this industry.

RSPCA Australia deplores the use of live animals for the purpose of training, baiting and blooding of greyhounds.

Hunting

RSPCA Australia is opposed to the hunting of any animal for sport.

Hound racing

RSPCA Australia liaises with the various hound clubs to assist these bodies in the prevention of cruel practices in this sport.

RSPCA Australia deplores the use of live animals for the purpose of training, baiting and blooding of hounds.

Coursing

RSPCA Australia is opposed to coursing.

Homing pigeon racing (reviewed 26/05/00)

RSPCA Australia does not approve of races which are held over excessive distances, in adverse weather conditions or over unsuitable terrain.

Angling (reviewed 27/02/04)

RSPCA Australia does not oppose angling provided that all of the following conditions are met:

• it is conducted in a manner that minimises any associated pain, suffering or distress to the fish during capture and handling, and killing or release
• it is only conducted in waterways where free-running fish can escape
• the fish is either released immediately, provided the hook injury is minimal and will not compromise survival, or humanely killed immediately by stunning, spiking or pithing.

RSPCA Australia supports the development of codes of practice for the welfare of fish caught by angling and the adoption of such codes as a condition of recreational fishing licences.

Animals as prizes