Animal Cruelty
The Animal Welfare Act
RSPCA Inspectors are appointed by the Minister for Environment and Conservation and work within their powers provided under the Animal Welfare Act.
The Act is periodically reviewed in an effort to ensure that the legislation protecting animals is as comprehensive, current and effective as possible.
Once an alleged cruelty report is received and investigated, RSPCA Inspectors may take any of the following actions:
- Offer advice and assistance to the owner
- Issue a warning letter and follow up with spot checks to ensure that the advice/recommendations have been implemented
- Issue the owner with an animal welfare notice which requires the owner to take action as instructed by the Inspector
- Seize the animal/s and prosecute the owner
Persons found guilty under the Act can be fined up to $50,000 or sentenced to up to 4 years imprisonment.