Our role

The state and territory member Societies provide services to animals in need through their shelters and inspectorates. In the national office, RSPCA Australia works to influence animal welfare policy, practice and legislation across the country
Go to Our role

Key issues

The RSPCA advocates for the welfare of animals across a number of industries, issues and platforms. Help from our supporters is important to progress change. Working together is key.
Go to Key issues
take action live sheep export alternate
Priority issue
Australia is closer than it has ever…
Live sheep export

Support us

Whether you're an individual or a business, there are multiple ways you can support the RSPCA
Go to Support us
An animal in the RSPCA care being cared for by an RSPCA vet
Donate now to support your local RSPCA and make a difference to animal welfare across Australia
Donate

About

The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.
Go to About
about us national statistics
Read our National Statistics
Compiled on a national basis by RSPCA…
Annual statistics

Adopt

By choosing adoption, you’ll not only have the chance to make a friend for life, but you’ll be giving an animal a second chance and helping support the RSPCA.
Go to Adopt
adopt a pet logo
Visit the Adoptapet website
Make a difference to a pet’s life today.
Search Adoptapet

The RSPCA has welcomed the Department of Agriculture’s decision to listen to the evidence and extend the prohibited period for live sheep exports from 1 June to 22 September, incorporating an additional three weeks.

With September being historically one of the hottest and most dangerous months for sheep to be exported to the Middle East, this is an important step forward in protecting the welfare of Australian animals. However, the RSPCA still holds high concerns for the continuation of October trading.

“This is an important step forward by the regulator, in acknowledging the scientific evidence that sheep are at high risk of heat stress during September journeys to the Middle East,” RSPCA Senior Policy Officer, Dr Jed Goodfellow said.

“In fact, exports to the Middle East during September and October are arguably more dangerous than those occurring at the start of the northern summer period, as Australian sheep are more acclimatised to cooler temperatures, having just experienced four months of cold and cool conditions,

“The science has shown that live sheep exported into the northern summer, at any time during the hottest period from May to October, are at very high risk of suffering from heat stress, which can be fatal. This week’s decision is another step towards ensuring that Australian sheep are protected from searing conditions on board these ships.”

The announcement comes after the Department of Agriculture sought public submissions on the future of September and October sheep exports to the Middle East where almost 7,000 concerned Australians joined the RSPCA in its submission and called for October to be included.

The extension of the prohibited period for live sheep exports to 22 September is in place for 2019 only, with a Regulation Impact Statement and the final report of the Heat Stress Risk Assessment review to follow and inform the future regulation of the trade.

subscribe box

Stay informed on big issues and how you can help improve animal welfare across Australia.

Subscribe today and we’ll keep you updated on all the latest campaigns, events and news.