For some Australians, a day at the races is a tradition, a national pastime for people to have a punt and watch their favourite horse race along the track in hope of that big win.

But behind the celebratory air, is a dark side riddled with animal welfare issues.

From the oversupply of racehorses, questionable training techniques, the use of whips and the physical toll racing takes on the horses involved, it's an industry that is in urgent need of improvement.

The animal welfare science and the expectation of how we care for animals has moved considerably over the last two decades, as have the expectations of many in the community to do better for animals used in sport while the practice still continues.

Join our host Brian Daly along with Dr Suzie Fowler - Chief Science Officer at RSPCA Australia, and Dr Di Evans - Senior Scientific Officer at RSPCA Australia, to uncover the many layered issues of horseracing and what needs to change.

Growing awareness of animal welfare has led many caring Australians to actively seek more conscious choices with the products they buy. For some products this is easy, with clear labels on the packaging that identify higher-welfare practices.

But when it comes to dairy these labels are largely absent, making it nearly impossible for the average shopper to know if the cheese or milk they select is from a producer with good standards of welfare for their cows.

Join Dr Natalie Roadknight – Senior Scientific Officer at RSPCA Australia to delve into all things dairy, including how dairy production works, the impacts and welfare issues for dairy cows and calves and the questions caring individuals can ask producers to make better choices in the dairy aisle.

We know cat caregivers want to provide the very best life for their feline companions, so they are happy and healthy and live a long time. And we know that to give cats the best change at this, the RSPCA’s position is that cats should be kept at home.

But why is keeping cats at home important? And what does that look like?

How do we provide an environment at home that meets all a cats needs including enrichment and the ability to express natural cat behaviours while making them safe and comfortable?

Join Sarah Zito - Senior Scientific Officer at RSPCA Australia (and cat enthusiast!), to discuss these and many more cat related questions in this episode of RSPCA's Great and Small Talk.

Farmed ducks need our attention ...

Ducks are truly remarkable birds, curious and vocal; and it’s a delight for many to watch groups of these inquisitive animals waddle about their local parks and waterways. But what about farmed ducks? What is life like for them on a farm? What are the welfare issues we need to start quacking on with?

Join Dr. Sarah Babington - Scientific Officer at RSPCA Australia to answer these questions (and more!) in this episode of RSPCA's Great & Small Talk.

Squishy faces, bulging eyes, curled tails ...

Unfortunately, these features can represent serious health and welfare issues for certain breeds of dogs and cats (like Pugs, French Bulldogs, British/English Bulldogs and Scottish Fold cats).

On this episode of Great & Small Talk, we chat with RSPCA Australia's Chief Science Officer Dr Suzie Fowler, to uncover the daily struggles experienced by these breeds as a result of the very features they’re known for, and what we can do help address these challenges.

Mulesing is a painful surgical procedure that affects millions of Aussie sheep every year, but it's also a practice that many Australians know little about. One thing is for certain - mulesing is a welfare issue worth discussing, especially for those of us that choose to purchase products made from wool.

In this episode, join RSPCA Australia Senior Scientific Officer Melina Tensen to get the facts.

Join host Brian Daly as he interviews RSPCA Australia’s Senior Scientific Officer Dr Di Evans, to explore the issues associated with rodeos calf roping. In this episode, we delve into the physical and mental impact of young calves who are subjected to this cruel event ... We'll also gain an insight into what Australians really think of calf roping in their respective state and territory jurisdictions, delving a little deeper into the most recent studies on the issue.

This episode will give you a realistic look into rodeo calf roping, and how we all can play a role in shaping a brighter future for rodeo calves.

It can be a real minefield when it comes to egg labels, and conscious consumers want to be able to make a quick choice that they know is supporting good animal welfare.

With 16.8 million hens laying eggs through various production methods, the size and scale of the Australian egg industry means that there are actually a lot of different businesses involved in the production of an egg, and widely differing welfare standards and impacts for animals.

In Episode 1, we're talking all things egg and layer hen welfare with Talulah Gaunt, Manager - RSPCA Approved, to share valuable insights into how the egg industry operates, and how we as consumers can make lives better for the millions of Aussie layer hens supplying our eggs.