There are currently no federal laws governing animal welfare in Australia. In fact, all Australian states and territories regulate animal welfare within their jurisdiction. In NSW, animal welfare is primarily governed by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (POCTAA), which authorises RSPCA NSW to investigate cases of animal cruelty and enforce animal welfare legislation throughout NSW.
Recently, legislation has evolved to broaden its scope from simply prohibiting acts of cruelty to animals, to actively promoting the welfare of animals. As the leading animal welfare organisation in NSW, our mission to protect and care for animals goes beyond fighting animal cruelty. Through advocacy, research, education, and outreach assistance, we’re helping build a brighter future for vulnerable animals across NSW.
Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (POCTAA), our Inspectorate has the power to remove animals from owners who are cruel, neglectful, or indifferent to their animals’ suffering.
POCTAA also authorises RSPCA NSW Inspectors to enter private land to examine animals if they have reasonable grounds to suspect an offence is, has, or is going to be committed with respect to an animal. Inspectors can enter private dwellings with either the consent of the occupier of the home, the authority of a search warrant, or if the Inspector has reasonable grounds to believe that an animal has suffered significant physical injury, is in imminent danger of suffering significant physical injury, or has a life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary treatment.
RSPCA NSW Inspectors investigate more than 15,000 complaints a year. Many issues are dealt with on the spot by educating animal guardians regarding their responsibilities, whereas more serious deliberate cruelty cases are referred to a court for prosecution. Our team is trained to investigate complaints against all kinds of animals in all kinds of situations. The most common complaints are failure to provide adequate food, shelter, or veterinary treatment. Inspectors also frequently investigate:
RSPCA NSW Inspectors are on the front lines in the fight against animal cruelty. As the largest animal welfare enforcement agency in NSW, our Inspectorate is key to our mission to protect and care for vulnerable animals. Our dedicated team responds to a wide array of cruelty complaints, from reports of deliberate cruelty to instances of unintentional neglect.
RSPCA NSW has a dedicated Breeders Compliance Unit (BCU) committed to ensuring the welfare of breeding animals across the state. When not responding to complaints pertaining to unethical breeding practices, our team proactively inspects known breeding establishments to ensure they are complying with the Breeding Code for Cats and Dogs.
RSPCA NSW rehomes a range of different animals, from dogs, cats, and birds to horses, rabbits, and sheep! We believe that all creatures, great and small, can bring joy to our families and homes. Begin your adoption journey today and make an adorable lifelong friend!
By providing temporary homes for our animals, we can ensure they get the care they need until they are ready to be adopted. Join our network of foster carers for an incredibly rewarding experience; with your help, we can change the lives of some of the state’s most vulnerable animals.
We rely on our generous supporters to continue assisting the thousands of animals turning to RSPCA NSW for help. No matter how small your contribution, every gift makes a lifesaving difference for animals in need.
By raising funds and lending a hand to communities and their pets, our volunteers play a pivotal role in our work throughout NSW. If you have a genuine concern for animals and enjoy meeting like-minded people, consider becoming an RSPCA NSW volunteer today!
There are currently no national laws that govern animal welfare in Australia. All Australian states and territories regulate animal welfare within their jurisdiction. In NSW, animal welfare is primarily governed by the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (POCTAA).
Visit the RSPCA Knowledgebase to discover more about how animal welfare legislation provides protection for animals in Australia.
Most farm animal welfare is the responsibility of state and territory governments. However, if you have concerns relating to farm animal welfare, you can write to the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
The Hon Julie Collins MP
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
PO Box 6022
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600
Email: julie.collins.mp@aph.gov.au
Phone: (02) 6277 7190
If you witness any animal cruelty or suspect an emergency involving an animal, please contact RSPCA NSW straight away. The animal emergency hotline number is 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 3589). You can also submit an animal cruelty report using the online form found here.
We promise to uphold the highest ethical standards. Your personal information has never been, and never will be sold or traded to other charities. This is our promise to you.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we live and work. We recognise and respect the enduring relationship they have with their lands and waterways, and particularly acknowledge the vital role animals have played in Indigenous life, stories and culture for tens of thousands of years.
The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
