Community Animal Welfare Schemes

The RSPCA and the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) run Community Animal Welfare Schemes(CAWS) in regional areas of NSW.

CAWS involves intensive visits to local schools to educate students about responsible pet ownership. Topics include Treating all animals well, Saftey with strange dogs and What I need to do when choosing a pet.

Presentations are given in schools by members of the AVA’s PetPEP (Pets and People Education Team) and staff of the RSPCA’s Humane Education unit. Council rangers and RSPCA inspectors are also involved in this education program.

CAWS aims to prevent animal cruelty and reduce the number of homeless animals in regional areas. It is part of a major Statewide education, lobbying and desexing campaign by the RSPCA and the AVA. It is also supported by local councils and local veterinary practices.

It is accompanied by a discounted pet desexing, vaccination and microchip scheme for pensioners and low income earners. Each CAWS program sees hundreds of animals desexed.

RSPCA Chief Veterinarian Dr Mark Lawrie, believes the community benefits on a number of levels.  With fewer unwanted animals and a greater awareness of animal welfare, he predicts a reduction in dog attacks, a reduced risk of transfer of disease to the human and animal population and ultimately less risk of violence towards animals and people.

“There is a well-established link between cruelty to animals and cruelty to people,” he said.  “People are rallying to the CAWS which can only mean a more caring community.  

“With the help of all involved, we ultimately help to prevent suffering on many levels.”

CAWS programs have been run in Bathurst, Bourke, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Griffith and Inverell.

They are supported by generous donations from the M Carroll Animal Welfare Fund and the JS Love Trust.

Download the The Australian Animal Welfare Strategy.