Animal welfare science

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

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Animal welfare science

Caring for animals

Farm animal welfare

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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.

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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.

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Media release: Live sheep export unfixable, unnecessary, unacceptable – and now, soon to be unlawful

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Whether you're an individual or a business, there are multiple ways you can support the RSPCA

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An animal in the RSPCA care being cared for by an RSPCA vet

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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.

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Knowledgebase Offsite

Animal Welfare Seminar

Animal Welfare Science Update

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Education resources

Cage free and proud

Choose Wisely

Responsible sourcing

RSPCA Approved Standards

RSPCA Animal Welfare Seminar 2025

Animal ethics and animal welfare…

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About

The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.

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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.

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Animal welfare science

The RSPCA is a science and evidence-based organisation.

Animal welfare science is about using scientific principles and research to understand animals’ lived experience and what influences this, including determining the impact of our actions on animals, be they farm animals, companion animals, working animals, animals used in research, teaching, entertainment, sport, or animals in the wild.

RSPCA Australia uses peer-reviewed scientific research to inform our policies, positions and campaigns. We also produce a quarterly Science Update to highlight new published scientific papers that help contribute to our understanding of animal welfare. Annually, we organise an Animal Welfare Seminar to explore the latest developments in animal welfare science.

Offsite

Visit the RSPCA Approved Website

The RSPCA Approved Farming Scheme focuses on improving the lives of farm animals and making higher welfare eggs, meat and fish readily available.

Knowledgebase • Offsite

Visit the RSPCA Knowledgebase

The Knowledgebase features hundreds of evidence-based articles on animal welfare issues, responsible pet ownership, and the RSPCA’s policies and positions.