SPCA recognises animals to be sentient beings. SPCA supports the inclusion of the word “sentience” in the Animal Welfare Act 1999 and advocates for animal sentience to be considered when minimum standards and regulations are developed.

SPCA advocates for the term ‘physical, health and behavioural needs’ in the Animal Welfare Act 1999 to be redefined. SPCA advocates for animal welfare standards to be clear and enforceable.

SPCA supports a ‘One Welfare’ approach which recognises the interconnectedness of animal welfare, human wellbeing, and the environment.

SPCA advocates for the use of the ‘Five Domains’ model of animal welfare in science and legislation in preference to the ‘Five Freedoms’.

SPCA supports the call for an independent Commissioner for Animals to ensure effective oversight of the animal welfare system.

SPCA recognises the internationally accepted ethical principles for the replacement, reduction, or refinement for the use of animals in research, testing, and teaching (the “3 Rs”). While our organisation supports efforts to refine and reduce the use of animals in research and testing, SPCA is committed to and advocates for animals to be replaced in research, testing, and teaching by non-animal alternatives.

SPCA advocates for all children in primary and secondary education to receive animal welfare education to help promote empathy and respect for all living beings, including other people.

SPCA only supports the keeping of animals for research, testing, and teaching in ways that ensure animals used in research, testing, and teaching have a “Good Life” where they experience positive welfare for the entirety of their life and meet the animals’ physical, health, and behavioural needs.

SPCA advocates for the use of humane alternatives to animals for classroom dissection.

SPCA advocates for greater consistency across AECs for how manipulations are graded, guidance on grading of cumulative impacts, and the sharing of information and experiences.