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. The RSPCA’s ‘Birthday Wish List’ on…

Traditionally, the 1st of August is recognised in the Southern Hemisphere as every horse’s birthday.

To celebrate the occasion in 2017, RSPCA Australia has released a Birthday Wish List on behalf of Australian horses, using the opportunity to draw attention to several key animal welfare issues.

BIRTHDAY WISH 1: NO WHIPS IN RACING
Research shows that whipping a horse does not increase the chance of a horse finishing first, second or third. In fact, 98% of horses are being whipped without it influencing the race outcome, while 9 out of 10 punters would still watch and bet on racing without whips. The RSPCA supports the introduction of hands-and-heels racing, where whips are no longer used routinely but may be carried for safety purposes where proven necessary. Top performance horses need great genetics, great preparation, and great horsemanship; and whipping shouldn’t come into it.

BIRTHDAY WISH 2: NO JUMPS RACING
In jumps racing, horses are subjected to a dangerous sport where they are required to jump over many fences at speed, while running long distances.   
Jumps have proven to be deadly for horses and dangerous for jockeys. Jumps racing is now outlawed in most states and territories of Australia, yet sadly it continues in South Australia and Victoria.

BIRTHDAY WISH 3: NO RISK OF LIVE EXPORT OF HORSES
In May, the Australian Government Department of Agriculture confirmed that it had received a number of enquiries about exporting horses, ponies and donkeys ‘in large numbers for slaughter’ and that it was developing regulations to facilitate the trade. You can add your voice to help stop this cruel trade before it starts!

BIRTHDAY WISH 4: NO CRUELTY OR NEGLECT

No animal should ever face cruelty or neglect, and horses are particularly at risk because they are large, complex animals that can be expensive to care for. In the 2015/2016 financial year, the RSPCA investigated a total of 62,714 complaints of cruelty and provided ongoing care for       485 horses. It’s everyone’s responsibility to report animal cruelty or neglect when we see it; and if you can help find a forever home for a horse currently in the RSPCA’s care, start by visiting Adoptapet. 

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.