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

RSPCA Australia is calling for changes to race rules to allow whip-free racing after new evidence has highlighted the pain they cause to horses.

An investigation on ABC's Catalyst found that horses have more pain-sensing nerve fibres than humans, contradicting the argument that whipping horses doesn’t cause them pain.

“The Australian Racing Board has previously said that if whips cause pain, they shouldn’t be used – this evidence indicates that they do. Combined with earlier research that shows whips don't even improve performance, it’s high time for the whip to go,” said Dr Bidda Jones, RSPCA Australia Chief Scientist.

“Hands and heels races are already taking place in a number of other countries; Australia should be following that lead.

“There is still a view that the whip acts as a safety device for jockeys, so enabling races to be held where riders can carry the whip but only use them for safety purposes would be an ideal first step,” said Dr Jones.

Further research, contributed to by RSPCA Australia, supporting these findings was published earlier this week; A Critical Analysis of the British Horseracing Authority’s Review of the Use of the Whip in Horseracing.

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.