Positions - Companion Animals

SPCA advocates that police officers use properly trained handlers to pacify or safely contain animals.

SPCA advocates for animals to be provided with a properly fenced area which allows them to have a Good Life where they experience positive welfare and their physical, health, and behavioural needs are met.

SPCA advocates for companion cats to be kept at home to keep them safe from harm and promote positive welfare, whilst minimising their negative impacts on wildlife and nuisance in the community. Cats can be kept healthy and happy at home through a variety of ways including an enriched indoor environment, a safe and secure area such as a fenced garden, or with a cat enclosure or “catio”.

​SPCA supports the keeping of backyard chickens and other poultry, provided they have a Good Life where they experience positive welfare and their physical, health, and behavioural needs are met.

​SPCA advocates for rescue organisations to conduct a full and holistic assessment of behaviour prior to rehoming.

​SPCA supports the walking of cats in harness provided the equipment used is appropriate, well-fitted, and secure, the cat’s physical, health, and behavioural needs are met, and the activity is stopped if the cat shows signs of stress.

SPCA advocates for regular dental check-ups for companion animals by a veterinarian or board-certified veterinary dentist. SPCA recommends developing a dental care routine at home, in addition to regular veterinary dental exams and dental cleanings.

SPCA advocates that animals are provided with appropriate diet in a manner which provides a Good Life where they experience positive welfare and their physical, health and behavioural needs are met.

SPCA recommends that dog’s suitability is assessed on a case-by-case basis, based on consideration of age, temperament, life history, and the safety and suitability of the location.

SPCA advocates that healthy, pre-weaned kittens should be kept with their mother, provided they are in a safe location and not at risk to welfare harms.