For the team at RSPCA South Australia, there is no such thing as a typical day. For our rescue officers and inspectors, each day is unpredictable and challenging. Our staff often deal with physically and emotionally demanding situations. Each case of cruelty against a defenceless animal can be equally heartbreaking. Cruelty can be divided into four main categories: Cruelty through ignorance RSPCA South Australia encounters many animals that have suffered merely because their owners have failed to understand how to adequately care for them. The owner may not intend to be cruel, but rather lacks an understanding of the responsibilities required to look after an animal in an appropriate manner. Cruelty through neglect Neglect is a primary cause of cruelty and occurs when a person has inadequate consideration for the condition of their animal. There could be various reasons for this including financial hardship, mental illness, or a lack of compassion. Neglect of animals comes in many forms including no available shelter for the animal, deficient food or water, neglected grooming and lack of veterinary treatment. Malicious intent Deliberate acts of cruelty to animals are impossible to comprehend and are one of the most difficult aspects of working at RSPCA. Some types of malicious and senseless cruelty witnessed by RSPCA include kicking, beating, poisoning, intentional starvation and even torture of defenceless animals as well as organised events such as cock fighting and dog fighting. Endorsed cruelty Nationally, the RSPCA produces campaigns in an effort to educate the wider community about animal welfare practices that while legal, are considered cruel and unnecessary. An example of this is jumps racing duck shooting, the live animal export trade, rodeos and intensive farming systems.