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

take action live sheep export alternate
Priority issue
Australia is closer than it has ever…
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

featured media release sheep v2
Media release: No further delays on live sheep export phase out
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

Responsible sourcing

Key information

Domesticated animals

Non-domesticated animals

Aquatic animals

AWS24 Banner 1200x630
RSPCA Animal Welfare Seminar 2024
Through their eyes: Strengthening our…
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
  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Media centre
  4. RSPCA urgently seeks clarity of animal…

The RSPCA has urged federal and state governments to explicitly state nationally-consistent permission for people to care for animals based away from their premises, under any COVID-19 movement restrictions.

RSPCA Australia CEO Richard Mussell said the organisation had become increasingly concerned as it appears none of the current regulations include any mention of reaching animals in need of care as being a ‘reasonable excuse’ to be outside the home.

“While professionals caring for animals as part of their work appear to be protected under those provisions – which is a great relief – there are thousands of Australians that remain in limbo,” he said.

“Can horses owners leave home to provide food, water and exercise for their horses? Can wildlife carers travel to collect sick and injured wildlife? Can pet owners go to collect their dog or cat if it should become lost? Can owners take a sick or injured pet to their vet?

“As it stands, there is actually nothing in these regulations that say they can.

“And that’s a serious problem that’s very easily addressed with the inclusion of a few clear and consistent words of instruction,” said Mr Mussell.

Mr Mussell also said the current conflict between regulations places animal carers in a very difficult position.

“Right now, animal owners can face police intervention and very heavy penalties if found to be moving around outside without a ‘reasonable excuse’ justification,” he said.

“Yet, they have a moral and legal obligation to look after the animals they own, and if they don’t meet this obligation, they could be in breach of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals laws.

“At the moment, we are advising people to travel to care for animals as part of their daily ‘exercise’ provisions – but this is a ‘best guess', and we urgently need clarity and clear advice on what it and isn’t acceptable, that’s consistent across all states and territories,”  said Mr Mussell.  

 

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.