Report Cruelty Donate

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

Animal welfare science

Caring for animals

Farm animal welfare

Public education

Advocacy

Enforcing the law

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

Farm animals

Sport, entertainment & work animals

better than live export hero banner
Priority issue
On 1 July 2024, the Federal Government…
Live sheep export

News

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.
Go to News

Blog

Media centre

Podcast

take action live sheep export alternate
Media release: Live sheep export unfixable, unnecessary, unacceptable – and now, soon to be unlawful
Read the media release

Support us

Whether you're an individual or a business, there are multiple ways you can support the RSPCA
Go to Support us

For individuals

For businesses

National events

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

Learn

The RSPCA aims to make evidence-based research accessible to the community, so that they can have confidence in the choices made when it comes to animal welfare.
Go to Learn

Knowledgebase Offsite

Animal Welfare Seminar

Animal Welfare Science Update

Education resources

Cage free and proud

Choose Wisely

Responsible sourcing

Key information

Domesticated animals

Non-domesticated animals

Aquatic animals

RSPCA Approved Standards

AWS2025 Website Image 2000x2000 v2
RSPCA Animal Welfare Seminar 2025
Animal ethics and animal welfare…
Learn more

About

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

Annual reports

Annual statistics

Board & governance

Scholarships

Join our team

Our history

Contact

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

Adopting a dog or puppy

Adopting a cat or kitten

Adopting other animals

Responsible pet ownership

adopt a pet logo
Visit the Adopt A Pet website
Make a difference to a pet’s life today.
Search Adoptapet
Contact Us
RSPCA Approved Farming
Report Cruelty Donate
Report Cruelty Donate
Subscribe now! Keep up to date with the latest animal welfare news
  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Media centre
  4. Horrific cruelty exposed in…

RSPCA Australia is again calling for urgent action to be taken after MORE cruelty in the live export trade is exposed.

The Department of Agriculture is investigating reports of severe cruelty at an abattoir in Israel approved under the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS), less than three weeks after shocking images of cattle being sledgehammered to death in Vietnam were exposed.

“In Vietnam we saw cruelty being blamed on poor facilities outside the supply chain: this time the cruelty is an approved abattoir that’s been deemed ESCAS compliant by the Government’s auditing process. This is a system failure of the greatest proportions,” said Dr Bidda Jones, Chief Scientist, RSPCA Australia.

“Australian cattle that have just been slaughtered are seen staggering onto the kill-room floor with their throats hanging open, then eventually hoisted while still conscious. Workers are seen twisting and breaking their tails to make it easier for them to attach the hoisting shackles.

“Australian sheep are seen being beaten with sticks, struggling as they are crammed into holding pens, and forced to jump or fall from the back of a transport truck because no ramp is provided. 

“This is the second time cruelty has been uncovered at an ESCAS-approved Israeli facility: two years ago RSPCA Australia reported animals suffering horrific cruelty at the Bakar Tnuva abattoir.

“Both abattoirs use inversion slaughter boxes; barbaric devices that force cattle upside-down to have their throats cut while fully conscious. The science on these devices is clear – they cause unnecessary suffering and have no place in a modern abattoir. Yet the Australian government continues to approve their use under ESCAS.

“The Australian public is sick and tired of witnessing this kind of cruelty and being told again and again by the Government that everything is under control – it’s clearly not,” said Dr Jones.

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.

We care about your data in our privacy policy.