Queensland Wildlife Section

How is the RSPCA involved in Wildlife Conservation?

Promoting responsible pet ownership  Preventing unwanted litters by ensuring all shelter animals are desexed prior to adoption, and promoting desexing for all domestic pets  Encouraging pet owners to restrain or keep their pets inside - especially at night time when the most damage to wildlife can happen  Working with local councils to promote the registration of pets

 Encouraging the use of humane devices to stop pets injuring wildlife such as bells, reflector tags and cat enclosures Promoting responsible pet ownership

Promoting good animal behaviour through animal training

Assisting Wildlife Conservation Bodies  Being actively involved in changes to legislation affecting the welfare of native animals  Working closely with government and other non- profit wildlife welfare organisations  Assisting wildlife care groups  Utilising our education and media departments to promote all aspects of wildlife welfare to the media and the general public Photo QPWS website

RSPCA Animal Ambulance and Inspectorate  The RSPCA animal ambulance assists in over 3000 rescues of Orphaned, Sick and Injured Native Animals in South East Qld.  The Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 is used for the protection of all creatures including wildlife. Our inspectors regularly attend situations that require the enforcement of this act.  The RSPCA call center receives approximately 200 wildlife related calls per week.

Orphaned, sick and injured wildlife RSPCA Qld…  Receives over 3000 native animals each year  Has a State Wildlife Coordinator  Has a specialised wildlife ward  Provides training for RSPCA staff  Has an Animal Ambulance  Offers training, information and support for wildlife carers and the community

What are the major threats to wildlife? Habitat Destruction ● Domestic Animals ● Cars ● Litter ● Feral Animals

What can I do to help?  Keep your pets inside, especially at night. Consider a cat enclosure so your cat can have fun, be safe and protect wildlife  Plant native trees and shrubs to experience wildlife in your back yard  Join a Wildlife conservation or bush care group  Become a Wildlife carer  Keep your eye on the roads at night time, slow down  Build a frog pond  Cover chimneys – they are not safe places for birds & wildlife to nest  Recycle, compost and use natural products  Be more tolerant of wildlife conflict situations  Learn more about wildlife

What do I do if I find an orphaned, sick or injured native animal?  Keep calm and assess the situation  If it is an orphaned bird, check to see if it’s parents are around, the bird will be much happier if it is reunited with its natural parents  If it is a small, easily handled animal, place it in a box and put it somewhere dark and quiet  If it is a large animal place a box or washing basket over the top of it to calm it down Tawny Frogmouth

Who can I call for assistance?  The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service will put you in touch with a wildlife carer in your area. QPWS:  Or take the animal to any RSPCA shelter RSPCA Qld Call Centre: Crested Shrike Tit

What else can I do to help?

Pick up rubbish and litter and dispose of it responsibly...

… it can end up in our ocean …

… birds may get caught in strings and line causing fatal injuries

Supervise your cat and dog – day and night… Possum attacked by a dog

Be aware that conservation of wildlife is a local and global issue … A bear in appalling conditions at an Indonesian zoo Painted Dogs in an African Shelter, after being rescued Photo: WSPA

... by working together to raise awareness, we can make a difference RSPCA in Australia and wildlife carers in Zimbabwe, Africa; both working with the community to save wildlife through education.

Support Australian research Short beaked echidna – one of only three mammals that lay eggs! What happens after release?

Make a positive difference – support the RSPCA Laughing Kookaburra “Lucky” was hit by a car but recovered, thanks to RSPCA wildlife carers. Lucky has now been released into his natural habitat. You can help us ensure that more wildlife get this second chance.

Thank You Contact the RSPCA Qld Wildlife Co-ordinator on for more information