About WA’s legislation and enforcement
In Western Australia, animal welfare is primarily governed by the Animal Welfare Act 2002, which sets out the legal responsibilities people have towards animals and the penalties for animal cruelty.
RSPCA WA Inspectors are authorised under the Act to investigate reports of alleged cruelty and take enforcement action where appropriate. The powers available to our inspectors, and the penalties that can be imposed on offenders, are determined by legislation.
While RSPCA WA enforces the law, we also work to improve it. By contributing expert knowledge, research and practical experience, we advocate for stronger protections that advance animal welfare and reflect community expectations about how animals should be treated.
Improving animal welfare laws
RSPCA WA believes animal welfare laws should do more than punish cruelty after it happens. Effective legislation should encourage people to meet the physical and behavioural needs of animals and recognise their ongoing duty of care.
Our goal is to help create laws that:
- Prevent suffering before it occurs
- Promote responsible animal care
- Reflect current animal welfare science
- Meet community expectations about animal welfare
- Give authorities effective tools to protect animals
RSPCA WA calls for action
In 2019, the WA Government established an independent panel to review the Animal Welfare Act 2002 and consider how it could better protect animals.
RSPCA WA actively contributed to the review process, sharing frontline experience from animal cruelty investigations and advocating for legislative improvements that would strengthen animal welfare outcomes across the state.
In December 2020, the Review Panel released its findings and recommendations. The WA Government responded in June 2021, supporting many of the proposed reforms.
RSPCA WA welcomed this commitment to strengthening animal welfare protections in Western Australia, however in 2026, we are still yet to see promised changes to legislation. We continue to advocate for action, and you can too by contacting your elected representatives.
Penalties for animal cruelty
Animal cruelty is a serious criminal offence in Western Australia.
Under the Animal Welfare Act 2002, a person convicted of animal cruelty may face:
- A minimum fine of $2,000 per offence
- A maximum fine of $50,000
- Up to five years imprisonment
- Requirement to repay veterinary, legal and animal care costs
- Being banned from owning or caring for animals for a period of time
- Removal of ownership of animals from the offender
These orders help safeguard the welfare and wellbeing of animals both now and into the future.
In some circumstances, courts may also impose penalties available under the Sentencing Act 1995, such as community-based orders, suspended fines or suspended terms of imprisonment.
Penalties are determined by the courts – not by RSPCA WA.
When deciding an appropriate sentence, the court considers factors such as:
- The seriousness of the offence
- The evidence presented
- Previous sentencing decisions in similar cases
- The offender’s personal circumstances
- The maximum penalties available under legislation
Have your say on animal welfare
Community support plays an important role in improving animal welfare laws.
If animal welfare is important to you, consider contacting your elected representatives and letting them know you support stronger protections for animals in Western Australia.
Contact the Minister for Agriculture
The Hon Jackie Jarvis MLC
Minister for Agriculture and Food; Forestry; Small Business
Level 7, Dumas House
2 Havelock Street
West Perth WA 6005
Phone: (08) 6552 5000
Email: minister.Jarvis@dpc.wa.gov.au
Contact your local MP
Click here to find your local member of parliament.