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

Media articles

Greyhounds 'get 30 mins exercise a day'

The Daily Telegraph

GREYHOUNDS can spend 23-and-a-half-hours a day locked in a small kennel, an inquiry into greyhound racing has heard.

RSPCA scientific officer Jade Norris has told the special commission of inquiry into NSW greyhound racing that once dogs reach 12 months of age and begin training they are kept in individual kennels and may get just 30 minutes of exercise a day.

"A greyhound could be kept for 23 and a half hours out of a 24-hour day in a single, cramped kennel," Dr Norris told the inquiry in Sydney on Thursday.

Greyhound kennels too small: RSPCA

The Australian

RACING greyhounds can be kept for 23 and a half hours a day in kennels that are too small, an animal welfare expert has told an inquiry into the sport.

RSPCA Australia scientific officer Jade Norris has told the special commission of inquiry into NSW greyhound racing that under current codes of practice, dogs can get just 30 minutes of exercise a day.

The rest of their time can be spent in cages just 2m by 1.5m - an enclosure that should be at least three times bigger, Dr Norris said.

"A greyhound could be kept for 23 and a half hours out of a 24 hour day in a single, cramped kennel," Dr Norris said.

Dr Norris said she thought the specified kennel size was too small to allow dogs to move freely and have enough space between where they eat, sleep and relieve themselves.

She also said the practice of keeping dogs individually deprived them of important socialisation with other dogs.

Dr Norris said current codes of practice for NSW greyhound racing required 30 minutes of exercise a day and exercise yards were voluntary but should be mandatory.

 

 

Inquiry links

Transcript of Dr Norris' evidence:

Homepage of the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Greyhound Racing Industry in NSW:

 

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.