Antibiotics and other antimicrobials are essential drugs for treating infections, providing great benefits to humans and animals by enabling the treatment of diseases that previously caused significant morbidity and mortality.

Unfortunately, inappropriate use of antibiotics has hastened the development of resistance. Responsible antimicrobial use will help slow the development of drug resistance and help preserve the efficacy of existing antimicrobial drugs for the future.

SPCA opposes the use of antimicrobials for any purpose other than veterinarian-overseen treatment and non-routine disease control.

Practices should be used that minimise or preclude the need for routine antibiotic use in shelters, such as decreasing stress, adhering to capacity for care levels, good hygiene practices, keeping facilities clean and well ventilated.

SPCA acknowledges the ongoing efforts of the veterinary profession in trying to responsibly reduce the use of antimicrobials in animals, for example, the WSAVA Guidelines.

SPCA is concerned about the possible environmental impacts of small animal parasiticide products.

SPCA acknowledges the challenge of balancing environmental impact with therapeutic and prophylactic treatment that improves companion animal welfare and protects public health. SPCA encourages animal owners to take the concern regarding the environmental impacts seriously and responsibly use parasiticides.

Environmental impacts can be long lasting and include water pollution, harming non target species (e.g. bees) and increasing drug resistance in target species (e.g. fleas). People should discuss treatment decisions with their veterinarian, follow label instructions and dispose of these products responsibly.