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

The RSPCA has applauded New Zealand’s decision to end the controversial live export trade once and for all, saying the decision shines a spotlight on Australia’s complete failure to protect animals live exported for breeding and production.

The New Zealand Government, which banned the export of live animals for slaughter in 2007, announced today that from 2023, the export of all live animals (including for dairy and breeding) will end.

RSPCA Australia Senior Policy Officer Dr Jed Goodfellow said that this should be a wake-up call for the Australian Government, which still supports the cruel live export trade and allows it to continue.

“The export of live animals has arguably damaged Australian farming’s reputation more than any other practice. It is inherently high-risk, with decades of repeated evidence of suffering and cruelty,” said Dr Goodfellow.

“We’ve seen tragedy after tragedy involving Australian animals on live export ships. Many thousands of animals have died while countless more have suffered terribly, but survived to face an uncertain fate overseas.

“New Zealand has made the right decision, and with it, is cementing its international reputation as a world leader in high quality, ethical agricultural products while Australia is left behind yet again. The export of live animals for slaughter has been banned in New Zealand for nearly 15 years, but here, the trade still continues in its entirety.

“While there’s quite rightly a lot of attention given to the live export of sheep and cattle for slaughter, the news today is also a reminder that there are serious welfare issues involving the export of live animals for dairy and breeding.

“Australia exported 170,657 breeding cattle last year, primarily to China and Pakistan – and there are no laws to protect them once they’re there. This is a sleeper issue and a crisis waiting to happen again. The Australian Government must act immediately to close these loopholes.

“Today’s news out of New Zealand shows what leadership is and that reform is possible. The RSPCA has been working to end the live export trade for decades and we’ll continue to do so until that happens,” said Dr Goodfellow.

 
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.