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

RSPCA Australia is strongly urging Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce to reverse his decision to give Saudi Arabia an exemption from the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS).

The Government's horrifying decision to exempt Saudi Arabia, from the already basic regulatory framework that is ESCAS, will endanger Australian animals.

Any nation unwilling to meet ESCAS requirements must not be allowed to import Australian animals as it will allow poor practices to continue.

“Giving special consideration and exemptions for one country is a slippery slope back to the horrors we saw in Indonesian abattoirs in 2011 – what’s to stop others from bullying Australia into the same thing?” said Heather Neil, CEO RSPCA Australia.

“ESCAS was put in place following the exposure of systemic animal cruelty and immense public outcry - it is the bare minimum that should be required.

“57,000 Australian sheep were rejected by Saudi Arabia in 2003, leaving them floating at sea for three months and as a result thousands died. This is not a destination that can be trusted to ensure adequate animal welfare practices will be met.

“The community can expect that Australian sheep will suffer inhumane slaughter as a result of this decision.

“This Government seems fixated on trumpeting the expansion of the cruel live export trade, rather than focusing on increased investment in the boxed meat trade in order to secure new markets for Australian producers, and ensure the long-term welfare of our animals,” said Ms Neil.

Media contact: Elise Meakin, 0419 748 907, emeakin@rspca.org.au

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.