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
Australia is closer than it has ever…
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 Adoptapet website
Make a difference to a pet’s life today.
Search Adoptapet

The RSPCA has welcomed the decision of the federal Department of Agriculture overnight to suspend the license of a second live sheep export company.

The suggestion that a suspended live exporter would be able to sidestep their action by using an associated company to export their sheep was deeply concerning, and would have revealed a gaping loophole in already-flawed live export regulation.

This export and others at this time of year should never have been slated to go ahead.

These sheep would have been sent from moderate Perth winter temperatures into the searing heat and humidity of a Middle Eastern summer, facing certain heat stress, suffering and death.

These risks and conditions are routine and predictable.

Under these conditions, it’s just a matter of time before we see another disaster like the Awassi and the many before it.

Time and again, we see proof that live exporters are unwilling or unable to comply with Australian laws, and that Australia’s live export regulations cannot be enforced.

The RSPCA is reassured that the regulator has addressed the growing concerns of the community and acted to enforce existing live export regulations on this occasion.

However, until a total phase-out of live sheep exports is achieved, the next catastrophe will always be just around the corner.

The RSPCA expects the welfare of sheep kept at the feedlot south of Perth to be closely monitored and managed.

Just over three months since 60 Minutes aired, and tens of thousands of Australians continue to express their opposition to live exports at liveexport.rspca.org.au/take-action.

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.