Issues people often raise – and NSPCA’s broad recommendations

Below are examples of issues people commonly raise in animal welfare consultations, with some context and a brief outline of the direction NSPCA is recommending. You can focus on one, a few, or something else entirely.

Restricted breeds and breed-specific rules

Breed-specific measures are often raised because people feel they do not always address the real causes of dog-related incidents, such as lack of education, training, responsible ownership, or poor breeding, and can create confusion or unintended welfare consequences.

The NSPCA is broadly recommending a review of breed-specific approaches, with greater emphasis on responsible ownership, education, training and effective enforcement across all breeds.

You may wish to comment on whether current approaches are effective, fair, or could be improved, based on your own experience.

Dog breeding and puppy supply

Poor breeding practices continue to drive serious welfare problems. Inconsistent standards and enforcement can allow substandard conditions, health issues and lack of socialisation to persist, with long-term consequences for dogs, owners and welfare organisations.

The NSPCA is broadly recommending a welfare-led dog breeding framework that sets clear boundaries on scale and capacity, supported by enforceable standards and oversight.

You may wish to comment on breeding practices or enforcement issues you have observed.

 

Dog traceability, microchipping and licensing

When traceability systems are fragmented or poorly enforced, it becomes difficult to hold irresponsible owners or sellers accountable. This undermines welfare outcomes, enforcement and public confidence.

The NSPCA is broadly recommending improved, joined-up traceability and more consistent enforcement to support accountability and responsible ownership.

You may wish to comment on how traceability could work better in practice.

Cats, feral populations and uncontrolled breeding

Cats are often overlooked in national policy, despite widespread welfare issues linked to uncontrolled breeding, disease and injury. The absence of a coordinated approach places pressure on communities, veterinary services and rescues.

The NSPCA is broadly recommending a coordinated national approach to cat welfare, including humane population management and better access to neutering supports.

You may wish to comment on what you see happening locally and what would make a practical difference.

Education, training and responsible ownership

In the NSPCA’s experience, many preventable welfare problems stem from lack of access to clear information, education, training and early support. Education, alongside enforcement, is key to improving welfare and safety outcomes.

The NSPCA is broadly recommending greater investment in responsible pet ownership education and accessible, welfare-focused training, alongside consistent enforcement.

You may wish to comment on what education or supports you think are missing.

Veterinary care and affordability

Rising veterinary costs are increasingly cited as a welfare concern, with animals sometimes going untreated or being surrendered due to financial pressure alone.

The NSPCA is broadly recommending that access to essential veterinary care and affordability be considered as part of national animal welfare planning.

You may wish to comment on barriers you have experienced or observed.

Equine welfare

Gaps in identification, enforcement and accountability continue to result in serious welfare issues for horses, particularly in urban areas and at gatherings or sales.

The NSPCA is broadly recommending stronger traceability, clearer accountability and more consistent enforcement to protect equine welfare.

You may wish to comment on equine welfare concerns in your area.

Farmed animals, transport and slaughter

Animal welfare concerns can arise where animals are subjected to practices that cause avoidable stress, pain or prolonged journeys, particularly for vulnerable animals.

The NSPCA is broadly recommending continued improvement of welfare standards, oversight and evidence-led policy to reduce avoidable suffering.

You may wish to comment on standards or practices you believe need attention.

Where to submit

Email: HERE
Deadline: 5pm, Friday 2 January 2026

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