Inspectorate
RSPCA NSW has Australia’s biggest squad of law enforcement officers dedicated to policing offences against animals. There are 30 inspectors in NSW – 15 in the Sydney metropolitan area and 15 located in regional areas around the state. Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1979, RSPCA Inspectors have the power to remove animals from owners who are cruel, neglectful or indifferent to their animals’ suffering. Inspectors investigate more than 12,000 complaints every year. Many of these complaints are dealt with on the spot by educating owners of their responsibility. The cruelty cases are referred to the courts for prosecution.
RSPCA inspectors investigate complaints against all kinds of animals in all kinds of situations. The most common complaints are failure to provide:
- Adequate food
- Veterinary treatment
- Adequate shelter
Inspectors also investigate:
- Pet shops
- Sale yards
- Abandoned animals
- Drought stricken livestock
- Tethered animals (which is illegal in this state)
- Hoarders – people with more animals than they can look after
- Acts of intentional harm and cruelty
