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. Report exposes cattle cruelty in…

28 January 2011

Australian cattle exported to Indonesia for slaughter take an average of four cuts to the throat to die, a new industry-commissioned Report* has revealed.

The Report uncovers multiple animal welfare concerns at every stage of the journey from transport to handling to slaughter.

The RSPCA’s Chief Scientist Dr Bidda Jones said it’s now clear that conditions for cattle in Indonesia are just as bad as those that face Australian sheep exported to the Middle East.

“The majority of the animals observed, and likely the majority of animals exported, were subjected to significant levels of pain, fear and distress during handling and an inhumane slaughter.”

Of most concern to the RSPCA: 

  • The continued installation of restraint boxes that are inhumane and would not be used legally in Australia despite newer, better versions being available. (The restraint boxes forcibly trip the animal so it falls onto its side on the concrete so its throat is in the correct position to be cut.)
  • On average cattle attempted to rise 3.5 times once tripped and restrained. This usually resulted in head slapping (on the concrete).
  • On average cattle take four cuts of the throat to die (one animal was observed having its throat cut 18 times).
  • Lack of feed and water in abattoirs.
  • Very limited use of stunning.
  • High variation in the competency of slaughtermen and handlers. 

Around 80% of Australian cattle exports go to Indonesia and when unloaded animals can be transported to one of120 possible locations for slaughter.

The RSPCA says at the very least cattle should be going into a closed system where they are humanely restrained and where stunning is carried out.  

 “It’s highly unethical to continue to send Australian cattle into a situation where we know they will be treated inhumanely. We urge the Australian government to immediately act on the RSPCA’s recommendations.”

Read the RSPCA’s full response and recommendations

 * Independent study into animal welfare conditions for cattle in Indonesia from point of arrival from Australia to slaughter. Caple, I., McGown, P., Gregory, N., Cusack, P.

 

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.