Section A COMPANION ANIMALS

List of policies

A1	Responsible companion animal ownership (adopted 01/08/08)
1.1	Companion animal (pet) owners are accountable and liable for the ongoing care, actions and welfare of any animal under their custody, ownership, management or control.
1.2	Responsible ownership involves the following actions on the part of the owner:
	planning for an animal suitable to the owner’s budget and lifestyle and capacity to manage the chosen animal     understanding and meeting the physical and behavioural needs of the chosen animal     undertaking correct husbandry practices relating to the feeding, care and housing of the animal     following a preventative health care program     ensuring veterinary care is provided when necessary     preventing unwanted pregnancies through desexing     ensuring appropriate identification of the animal, and     where appropriate, training and socialisation of the animal to ensure the development of appropriate behaviour.
	See also: E7 Keeping of wild animals as pets
A2	Acquiring a companion animal (adopted 28/10/08)
2.1	RSPCA Australia believes that acquiring a companion animal should be the result of careful planning and a clear understanding of the responsibilities involved. Prospective owners should carefully consider whether they have, and will continue to have, the facilities, time, financial means and level of interest necessary to ensure a satisfactory standard of care for their animal (see A2.2).
2.2	RSPCA Australia encourages prospective owners to consider adopting an animal from the RSPCA (or other reputable animal rescue organisations). The RSPCA provides shelter to thousands of animals every year that are in need of a good home.
2.3	Where animals are obtained from sources other than the RSPCA or other animal rescue organisations, RSPCA Australia advocates that wherever possible they are acquired directly from the place where they were born. This minimises stress to the animal and allows prospective owners to see the condition and behaviour of other animals, how the animal has been kept, and to learn about the specific needs of the species or breed being acquired
2.4	Vendors have a responsibility to ensure that prospective owners are made aware of the long term needs of the animal they wish to acquire, including any known health problems or inheritable disorders, before taking them home.
2.5	RSPCA Australia advocates a compulsory registration and licensing system for all outlets selling companion animals (including shops, breeders, veterinary clinics and shelters). The conditions under which the animals are kept and presented for sale must be detailed in a code of practice with compliance with the code of practice made a condition of licensing.
A3	Adoption of RSPCA animals* (adopted 01/08/08)
3.1	RSPCA Australia aims to rehome all suitable animals in its care. Animals may be unsuitable for adoption due to health, behavioural or legislative reasons.
3.2	Animals will only be offered for adoption to owners whom the RSPCA believes can provide for the needs of the animal during their lifetime.
3.3	All dogs and cats offered for adoption by the RSPCA must be desexed and permanently identified by microchip. Other animals offered for adoption should be desexed and identified as appropriate for the species.
3.4	Prior to adoption, all animals must undergo a veterinary health and behaviour check and be vaccinated against common/serious infectious diseases as appropriate for the species.
3.5	Animals adopted from the RSPCA will always be accepted back.
	See also: Animal adoption guidelines are currently in development
	* Procedures for the adoption of animals other than companion animals (such as livestock) should be consistent with the general principles outlined in this policy.
A4	Euthanasia of companion animals (adopted 01/08/08)
	RSPCA Australia believes that fit and healthy companion animals that are suitable for adoption should not be euthanased (see A3). The RSPCA nevertheless reluctantly accepts that in certain circumstances such euthanasia is necessary, in particular where there is a long-term shortage of appropriate homes for companion animals.
A5	Breeding of companion animals (adopted 01/08/08)
5.1	RSPCA Australia is opposed to uncontrolled breeding of companion animals because this inevitably leads to the euthanasia of fit and healthy animals. For as long as the supply of companion animals exceeds the number of appropriate homes, breeding must be significantly reduced (see A6.2).
5.2	RSPCA Australia is opposed to the selective breeding of companion animals which produces changes in bodily form or function detrimental to their health or quality of life.
5.3	Wild-domestic hybrids
5.3.1	RSPCA Australia opposes the hybridisation of wild species with domesticated animals for the purposes of creating new breeds of companion animals (e.g. wolf/dog or wild cat/domestic cat hybrids). The creation of wild-domestic hybrids is unnecessary, given the range of domesticated breeds already in existence, and there can be significant problems in the care and management of such animals.
5.3.2	RSPCA Australia believes that government import requirements must be drafted to prevent wild-domestic hybrids from entering Australia. The importation of semen and other reproductive materials from wild species should only be permitted for bona fide agricultural or zoological purposes.
A6	Companion animal management (adopted 01/08/08)
6.1	RSPCA Australia believes that companion animal management is the joint responsibility of state/territory and local government and should include provisions for the desexing, identification and registration of both cats and dogs.
6.2	Desexing
6.2.1	RSPCA Australia advocates the compulsory desexing of all domestic dogs and cats which are kept as pets, to prevent unwanted breeding and reduce the numbers of unwanted animals.
6.2.2	Where no compulsory desexing requirement is in place, RSPCA Australia advocates substantially increased registration fees for entire dogs and cats and discounted fees for desexed dogs and cats.
6.2.3	RSPCA Australia advocates that all dogs or cats offered for sale or adoption as companion animals (rather than for breeding by registered/licensed breeders), should be desexed prior to transfer of ownership. Other companion animals should be desexed wherever feasible and appropriate for the species.
6.2.4	RSPCA Australia recommends early age desexing from the age of eight weeks when the surgery is simple and recovery is rapid and straightforward. Early age desexing is an effective way of reducing accidental pregnancy in young animals and ensuring compliance with desexing requirements.
6.2.5	RSPCA Australia supports humane ear tattooing (while under anaesthesia) of animals to signify their desexed status and avoid accidental repetitive surgery. A standard tattoo symbol indicating desexed status should be applied to the left ear of all cats and dogs at the time of surgery.
6.3	Identification
6.3.1	RSPCA Australia advocates that all dogs or cats should be permanently identified by electronic means (microchip). Electronic identification is recommended for all other companion animals wherever it is feasible and appropriate for the species.
6.3.2	RSPCA Australia advocates the regulation and adoption of a national protocol for the electronic identification of companion animals which sets minimum standards for:
	approved microchip types     scanner reading capacity (scanners must be able to read all approved microchip types)     requirements for competency and accreditation for implanters     registry operation which includes the ability for records to be accessible 24 hours/day with the record to be retained for the lifetime of the animal     government oversight or licensing requirements for registries.
6.4	Impounding of stray animals
6.4.1	RSPCA Australia believes that impounded stray animals must be treated with the same consideration for their welfare as owned animals. Impounded animals must be housed under appropriate conditions which meet their physical and behavioural needs. Immediate veterinary treatment should be provided wherever necessary.
6.4.2	RSPCA Australia advocates a compulsory registration and licensing system for impounding facilities. The conditions under which animals are kept must be detailed in a code of practice with compliance with the code of practice made a condition of licensing.
A7	Dog management (adopted 01/08/08)
7.1	RSPCA Australia believes that dogs play an important role in the Australian family and community as companions and close working partners of humans.
7.2	RSPCA Australia recognises that responsible dog ownership means owners accepting full responsibility for dogs in terms of their welfare, as well as meeting the standards for dog management that are expected by the community.
7.3	Government policy on the management of dogs in the community must maintain a balance between the need to protect the health and safety of humans and other animals and the need to ensure the welfare of dogs.
7.4	Education plays a key role in the effective management of dogs in the community. This includes both the education of dog owners on the importance of responsible pet ownership and appropriate socialisation and training of dogs, and the education of the general public and particularly children on understanding dog behaviour and human-animal interactions.
7.5	Training
7.5.1	RSPCA Australia recognises that the behaviour of a dog is determined by a combination of genetics (inheritance), life experiences (including training and socialisation with other dogs and humans) and their environment.
7.5.2	A lack of adequate, timely and appropriate training and socialisation frequently leads to the emergence of behaviour-related problems. These are a major reason for the surrendering of dogs to shelters.
7.5.3	RSPCA Australia supports the training of dogs as a means of improving dog behaviour and maintaining good relationships between dogs, their owners and the community. Training programs should be designed to facilitate the development and maintenance of acceptable behaviours using natural instincts and positive reinforcement.
7.5.4	Aversion therapy and physical punishment procedures must not be used in training programs because of the potential for cruelty.
7.6	Exercise and control
7.6.1	All dogs must have the opportunity for regular, appropriate exercise to promote good health, provide contact with humans and allow socialisation with other dogs.
7.6.2	RSPCA Australia recognises that, for the safety of animals and humans, dogs should be under effective control when in public places. Keeping a dog on a leash is recognised as the most effective form of control during exercise.
7.6.2	All municipalities must provide sufficient safe public open spaces, such as parks, beaches or walking tracks, where dogs are permitted to be exercised off-leash. Such areas should be adequately signposted to advise people entering them that they may encounter unleashed dogs.
7.7	Devices used to control dogs
7.7.1	A properly fitted collar or harness used with a leash is an effective form of control and training aid for dogs. Collars and harnesses must be of an appropriate size, strength, material and design for the individual dog to provide effective control, but must not cause injury, pain or distress or restrict the dog’s normal activities (ie panting and drinking).
7.7.2	Electronic devices
	RSPCA Australia is opposed to the use of any electronically activated or other devices which deliver electric shocks, high pitched sounds, or any other painful stimulus. Such devices can be used to abuse the animals, involve inflicting pain and are considered inappropriate for dog training or control.
7.7.3	Muzzles
7.7.3.1	RSPCA Australia only accepts the use of muzzles under the following specific circumstances:
	for aggressive or declared dangerous dogs while in public places     for dogs when working with livestock     for examination and safe handling of aggressive dogs.
7.7.3.2	Muzzling devices must be properly fitted and used only under constant supervision for short periods of time. Muzzles used for exercise or work purposes must allow the dog to pant and drink but not bite.
7.7.3.3	Muzzles should not be used as a routine management procedure as they restrict dogs’ natural behaviour and serve no practical purpose for the majority of dogs.
7.8	Dangerous dogs
7.8.1	RSPCA Australia defines a dangerous dog as any dog which aggressively attacks a person or other animal causing physical injury or death, or behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would believe poses an unjustified imminent threat of physical injury or death.
7.8.2	Exceptions to this definition should be considered where a dog has been clearly provoked into attacking a human or other animal in self-defence, defence of a human or their property, or where a dog kept as a companion animal instinctively attacks an animal normally considered as prey.
7.8.3	RSPCA Australia considers that any dog of any size, breed or mixture of breeds may be dangerous and thus dogs should not be declared dangerous on the basis of breed.
7.8.4	However, it is recognised that there is a strong genetic component in a dog’s propensity for aggressive behaviour, their trigger point for aggression and their capacity to inflict serious injury. These factors should be taken into consideration when choosing a suitable dog and in their subsequent socialisation and training.
7.8.5	RSPCA Australia supports the use in legislation of the category of ‘menacing dog’ to apply to dogs that have repeatedly exhibited threatening behaviour (such as rushing at or chasing a person without provocation), but do not meet the definition of a dangerous dog.
7.8.6	Reducing the incidence of dog attacks requires the following actions:
	education of dog owners on the importance of responsible pet ownership and appropriate socialisation and training of dogs     education of the public on understanding dog behaviour and the risks of dog bites     early identification and appropriate management of problem behaviours     selection of dogs on the basis of appropriate behavioural characteristics     the implementation of appropriate control and management programs for those dogs that are declared to be menacing or dangerous.
	See also: Position Paper A3.4 Control of dangerous dogs
A8	Cat management (adopted 01/08/08)
8.1	RSPCA Australia believes that cats play an important role in the Australian family and community as companions.
8.2	RSPCA Australia recognises that responsible cat ownership means owners accepting full responsibility for cats in terms of their welfare, as well as meeting the standards for cat management that are expected by the community.
8.3	Government policy on the management of cats in the community must maintain a balance between the need to ensure the welfare of cats and the need to reduce the potential negative impacts of cats on humans and wildlife.
8.4	Any program for the control of cats must adopt a holistic, strategic and humane approach and aim to:
	recognise the value of cats as companion animals and improve the overall welfare of cats     reduce the impact of hunting by cats     reduce the incidence of public nuisance caused by uncontrolled cats     incorporate measures to cover the whole cat population and thus address all sources of the problem.
8.5	Containment of cats
8.5.1	RSPCA Australia encourages the containment of cats in an enclosed area, at a minimum from dusk until dawn. Containment of cats during this period can help to protect cats from disease and injury through fighting and accidents, increase the opportunity for owner-animal interaction and reduce the impact of hunting by cats and disturbance caused to neighbours.
8.5.2	Where cats are contained, steps must be taken to ensure that adequate exercise and environmental enrichment are available. Access to an outdoor escape-proof enclosure can greatly increase the opportunity for activity and stimulation for confined cats.
A9	Housing of companion animals (adopted 01/08/08)
9.1	All housing facilities for companion animals must be designed and maintained to provide a clean, comfortable and safe environment and to meet the behavioural and physiological needs of the particular animal.
9.2	Where companion animals are usually confined in a restricted environment (such as in cages, hutches or similar housing), they must be given regular opportunities for exercise, as appropriate for the species, in a safe, predation-free and escape-proof area (such as an outdoor run or enclosed indoor area).
9.3	Birds
	RSPCA Australia is opposed to the use of tethers on birds because of the severe restrictions they place on the bird’s movement. Where birds are permanently confined they should have access to a flight aviary or be given regular opportunities to fly in a safe environment (such as indoors).
9.4	Fish
	Where fish are maintained in captivity, particular consideration should be given to temperature control, water quality, the surface area and volume of the container and the provision of safety areas (e.g. in fish ponds) and suitable enrichment materials.
9.5	Containers for transport
	Containers used for the transport of dogs, cats and other mammals should enable the occupant to lie down flat, turn around, stand erect and stretch with clearance. They should be robust and escape-proof, sufficiently enclosed to provide the animal with a sense of security whilst allowing adequate ventilation and the ability to inspect the animal during the journey. Transport containers should be used for temporary (short-term) confinement only.
	See also: F1 Transportation of animals - general principles   F7 Transportation of animals by air
9.6	Boarding kennels and catteries
	RSPCA Australia advocates the compulsory registration and licensing of all boarding kennels and catteries. The conditions under which animals are housed must be detailed in a code of practice with compliance with the code of practice made a condition of licensing.
A10	Surgical modification of companion animals (adopted 01/08/08)
10.1	RSPCA Australia is opposed to the surgical modification of animals for cosmetic or non-therapeutic purposes. The RSPCA considers the following specific procedures to be unnecessary and detrimental to the welfare of the animal concerned:
	tail docking of dogs     ear-cropping of dogs
10.2	RSPCA Australia does not support the debarking of dogs to prevent excessive barking unless all other reasonable options have been attempted and the operation is regarded as the only alternative to euthanasia.
10.3	RSPCA Australia does not support the removal of claws or teeth in companion animals (including dogs, cats and ferrets) unless it is necessary for the welfare of the animal concerned.
	See also: Position Paper B2.1 Surgical animal husbandry techniques
A11	Use of cats and dogs for fur or food (adopted 01/08/08)
	RSPCA Australia is opposed to the use of dogs and cats for fur or food as these animals have a specific place in Australian society as companion animals and close working partners of humans.