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RSPCA Australia believes that man must treat
animals humanely. Where man makes use of animals
or interferes with their habitat, he should bestow
a level of care befitting man's own dignity as
a rational, intelligent, compassionate being,
and a level of care merited by the nature of the
animal as a sentient creature capable of responding
to man's care and attention. Such care should
be marked by sympathy, consideration, compassion
and tenderness towards animals.
RSPCA Australia believes that national and international
adoption of set minimum standards of treatment
and husbandry, and the observance of the following
points, will enable all species of animals to
live according to their behavioural needs as provided
by a compassionate and responsible community:
1. Animals have an intrinsic value of
their own and, accordingly must be considered
to possess the right to live in a way which enables
them to have a positive life and to develop and
enjoy their inherent qualities.
2. No animal should be used for the production
of food or fibre, either by farming practice,
transportation, or method of slaughter which in
any way may cause suffering, injury or distress.
3. No animal should be used for sport
or the entertainment of man when such use may
increase the risk of injury, suffering or distress
to the animals, or is contrary to its nature.
4. Animals should not be used in direct
combat, either one against the other or in warfare.
5. Animals should not be used in experiments
which inflict pain or suffering upon them and
which are not essential for the benefit of man
or animals. The use of animals should be replaced
by reliable alternative techniques immediately
they become available.
6. No animal should be used in excessive
breeding programs or programs which produce deformed
or weak offspring.
7. Domestic animals must be effectively
protected from adverse weather conditions, predators
and disease.
8. Domestic animals must be kept in such
a way which will enable them to socialise, move
freely, stretch, lie down, and have access to
clean water, a suitable balanced food supply,
and to prophylactic and corrective medicines.
9. Native animals and birds shall be maintained
safely in their natural environment and shall
be free from hunting, trapping and captivity.
Culling may occur, but only when proven necessary
for the preservation and benefit of the species.
Culling must only be carried out under proper
supervision and control.
10. Any animal suffering from disease,
injury, or debilitation, must be given first aid
or appropriate veterinary attention quickly. If
the affliction cannot be cured, or if it involves
permanent and serious disability, the animal must
be humanely destroyed.
11. The State shall enact and enforce
laws, regulations and codes for protecting animals
from exploitation, and for ensuring that their
basic individual needs are maintained at all times
and that their environment is kept free from illegal
or irresponsible intrusion.
12. The State shall also develop and implement
suitable educational programs or ensure that man's
responsibility towards animals is taught in all
schools and in the wider community.
Man has an obligation to protect the interests
of animals at all times. He should be encouraged
to willingly accept this obligation. But, if he
does not do so, then the force of the law should
be used to ensure that all animals are treated
humanely.
Mail
RSPCA Australia Inc
PO Box 265
Deakin West ACT 2600
Australia
Telephone
02 6282 8300
(or 61 2 6282 8300 for callers outside Australia)
Facsimile
02 6282 8311
(or 61 2 6282 8311 for callers outside Australia)
Website
www.rspca.org.au
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