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
take action live sheep export alternate
Priority issue
We are closer than ever to finally…
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 welcomed a parliamentary committee’s endorsement of the bill to phase out live sheep export, paving the way for the legislation to pass the Parliament without delay.

“As the committee heard, live sheep export has cumulative and inherent animal welfare issues that are simply unfixable,” said RSPCA Australia Chief Science Officer Dr Suzie Fowler.

“It hasn’t been fixed, and there is simply no way it can be fixed.  The sheep welfare issues inherent to the trade are not ‘old’ problems – they have not and cannot be adequately addressed by regulatory change. We’re pleased that the committee has recognised this and recommended that the Bill be passed.

“The evidence doesn’t lie. Independent observer reports show that sheep are – still – frequently suffering, starving and sick on board these vessels.

“We’re also heartened to see an overwhelming response from animal-loving Australians, with over 6,200 submissions made to the inquiry in support of a phase out.

“We also note the committee’s recommendations reflect a commitment to ensuring a better future, including the consideration of additional measures in the future to support Australian farmers and the supply chain to transition away from live sheep export as soon as possible.

“We look forward to the Bill passing the Parliament as soon as possible, to legislate the end date of 1 May 2028 and put an end to this unnecessary and unfixable trade once and for all.”

The report from the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Agriculture can be found here.

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.