Those who breed animals are responsible for all the animals that they breed and ensuring they have a Good Life, whether or not they are shown.

SPCA opposes the use of animals for entertainment, exhibition, show or performance where they experience pain, fear or distress.

Those responsible for the animals are required to meet their welfare needs during all aspects of attending shows, ensuring that they do not suffer any pain or distress during preparation, transportation and during their attendance. Owners, handlers and show organisers are responsible for the health and welfare of the animals and are expected to take steps to actively prevent the spread of disease.

Animals benefit from having the choice of interacting with people and access to a suitable and quiet environment with sufficient shelter away from the public. Animals must have access to water and feed as needed and be provided with suitable shelter and an environment allowing them to express their natural behaviour.

Animals should be appropriately contained and transported in ways that prevent injury, distress, or thermal stress. Journeys should be planned and kept to the shortest duration possible. Animals need to be fit to travel, checked regularly, handled humanely and have access to water and feed as needed. Animals who are unwell must not be transported to or participate in shows.

SPCA opposes the withholding or restricting of food and water to show animals, unless specifically advised to do so by a veterinarian for therapeutic reasons.

SPCA opposes the unnecessary body modifications of animals used in breed shows.

Medical procedures carried out for cosmetic purposes have no benefit to the animal concerned.

SPCA opposes invasive procedures such as dubbing (removal of the comb, wattles and earlobes) or tail docking unless carried out by a veterinarian for therapeutic reasons and where adequate and appropriate medical care is given before, during, and after the procedure including analgesic and anaesthetic.

Body modifications of animals can and should be avoided through selective breeding and by the provision of sufficient living space and appropriately enriched environments.