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
better than live export hero banner
Priority issue
On 1 July 2024, the Federal Government…
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 Adopt A Pet website
Make a difference to a pet’s life today.
Search Adoptapet

The distressing footage shown on the ABC’s 7.30 program last night is a snapshot of the widespread and systemic problems in the egg production industry that must be addressed with stronger standards and better enforcement.

RSPCA Australia poultry welfare scientist Dr Kate Hartcher was interviewed for the program, and said the footage clearly shows catastrophic failure of the slaughter process.

Birds that had not been properly stunned and slaughtered were visibly conscious and would have been in excruciating pain as they entered the scalding tank.

The RSPCA believes all abattoirs should be equipped with CCTV monitoring, employ a dedicated animal welfare officer, and face regular independent scheduled and unscheduled animal welfare audits. 

While practices at this abattoir must be addressed as a matter of urgency, this is sadly not an isolated incident.

The footage points to a bigger issue of the overwhelming failure of industry standards to protect the welfare of poultry.

This story has emerged as the Standards and Guidelines for the welfare of poultry are being reviewed for the first time in 15 years.

The RSPCA has been vocal in its criticism of these Standards review process, which has resulted in Standards that are not strong enough and not based in science.

The draft Standards and Guidelines are expected to be released for public consultation any day now, and the RSPCA will be urging state governments and the wider public to help ensure they are changed to reflect the current science and community expectations.

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.