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. MV Ocean Outback: How many will suffer…

RSPCA Australia is calling on the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources to provide a timely report on the fate of 5,600 cattle currently en route to Vietnam.

Earlier this month, RSPCA Australia expressed serious concerns about the ongoing welfare of 7,400 sheep and 5,600 cattle on board the MV Ocean Outback, which had been docked off the port of Fremantle for over 10 days due to mechanical failure.

RSPCA Australia Chief Scientist, Dr Bidda Jones, said the sheep had been offloaded at port, with their fate unknown, but the cattle were reported to be on their way to Vietnam.

“The cattle had already been on board for two weeks before departure, and are enduring a slower than normal voyage on a ship with only one operating engine. RSPCA Australia has also expressed serious concerns about Vietnamese practices, including the use of sledgehammers in slaughterhouses outside approved supply chains,” Dr Jones said.

“Government protocols require the on-board vet to report on the general condition of the cattle. Given the extensive public concern over the extended delay in departure, we are seeking timely information from the Government about the outcome of the voyage, including the overall duration of the voyage, mortality rates and the general health and condition of the livestock upon arrival.

“RSPCA Australia is also calling on Wellard to confirm that the 7,400 sheep offloaded in Fremantle will not be re-exported.

“We would be extremely concerned if the sheep were to be re-exported at a later stage. They have endured enough already, and should not be subjected to the stress of another sea voyage and the trauma of undergoing unstunned slaughter in the Middle East.  

“Once again, we call upon the Australian Government to seriously consider the merits of transitioning to a more stable, sustainable, and ethical trade in chilled and frozen meat processed here in Australia to Australian standards,” Dr Jones said.

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.