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
Subscribe now! Keep up to date with the latest animal welfare news

24 August 2011

Australian taxpayers have contributed over $2 million in a restraint device for cattle in Indonesia that has now been officially condemned by Australia’s chief vet as being inhumane.

The Chief Vet’s Report into the Mark 1 Box is damning in confirming the device breaches international animal welfare guidelines.

This is an unambiguous validation of the RSPCA assessment of the suffering associated with this cruel device. It’s a shame it took nearly three months for the government to reach the same conclusion – that this box exposes animals to unnecessary and prolonged suffering.

MLA and LiveCorp knew in 2009 that the Mark 1 box contravened OIE guidelines yet they continued to install them as late as 2010. The report shows that the live export industry’s culpability and complicity in entrenching animal cruelty in Indonesia is undeniable.

While it isn’t surprising that the live export industry commissioned and installed these boxes, the fact that $2 million of taxpayers’ money – people who do care about animal welfare – has been invested in animal cruelty in Indonesia is unforgivable.

MLA can’t let this be their terrible legacy in Indonesia. They have a responsibility to right this wrong. The RSPCA is calling on the industry to invest whatever money is necessary to refit those boxes to ensure they are only used for more humane methods of slaughter which includes stunning.

 

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.