Key issues

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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

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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.

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Priority issue

On 1 July 2024, the Federal Government…

Live sheep export

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Here you'll find the latest news relating to the RSPCA's vital work, press releases on national events, education on animal welfare issues, animal welfare science updates and our very own podcast covering a range of current topics.

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RSPCA welcomes inclusion of mandatory video surveillance in updated Animal Welfare Certification System

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The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.

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RSPCA Knowledgebase Report Cruelty Donate

Key issues

We regularly mobilise our hundreds of thousands of supporters to call on governments and industries to prioritise animal welfare. Some of the key issues we’re currently working on are reducing the suffering of millions of layer hens in battery cages, and ending the long-haul live export of sheep by sea.

Live sheep export

On 1 July 2024, the Federal Government legislated an end date to live sheep export. But 2028 is a long way away – and a lot can happen between now and then.

Take action on live sheep export

Farm animals

Farmed Atlantic salmon

The RSPCA advocates that Atlantic salmon aquaculture focuses on the welfare of farmed salmon, the welfare of wildlife impacted by salmon farming operations, and environmentally responsible practices.

Live sheep export

On 1 July 2024, the Federal Government legislated an end date to live sheep export. But 2028 is a long way away – and a lot can happen between now and then.

Sheep mulesing

The RSPCA believes that the wool industry must invest in long-term, sustainable solutions to address flystrike, which eliminate the need for procedures like mulesing.

Meat chickens

Chicken is by far the most popular animal protein consumed in Australia, however chickens raised for their meat face a number of serious welfare issues.

Layer hens

Let decision-makers know that you want to see a phase out of barren battery cages implemented as soon as possible.

Pig farming

The most pressing animal welfare issue in pig farming is the close confinement of pigs in barren indoor environments, where there’s no opportunity for these intelligent animals to explore, forage and engage in natural behaviours.

Cage free and proud

These companies are proving every day that you can build a successful and profitable business which promotes good animal welfare.

Sport, entertainment & work animals

Horse racing

There are serious animal welfare issues with horse racing, spanning the entire lifecycle of the horses involved.

Calf roping in rodeos

Calves used for roping experience distress and risk of bruising and broken ribs from being violently yanked off their feet and then being forced to the ground.

Duck hunting

Every year during the government declared open season, many thousands of ducks are shot over the wetlands of Australia in the name of sport.

Greyhound racing

Overbreeding of dogs, lack of evidence based, best practice training methods, injuries and deaths during training and races, continuing instances of live-baiting, and the fate of unwanted greyhounds all remain significant concerns.

2025 federal election

Animal Welfare Priorities for the Australian Government 2025

The Federal Government still has a significant role to play in demonstrating leadership in animal welfare. That’s why, this federal election, the RSPCA is calling on the next Australian Government to commit to several key priority areas.

Cage free and proud

These companies are proving every day that you can build a successful and profitable business which promotes good animal welfare, and that we can produce affordable, safe, healthy cage-free eggs on a large scale.

Learn more

Visit the RSPCA Knowledgebase for informed answers on a huge range of issues. The Knowledgebase features hundreds of evidence-based articles on animal welfare issues, responsible pet ownership, and the RSPCA’s policies and positions.