Animal Welfare Legislation in WA

1892 New Police Act includes animal protection laws for "... any beast, bird, reptile, fish, or other living creature, or any egg or spawn thereof.", and "... any native or acclimatised animals or birds which may be on any park or public road or reserve...".

The first legislation is adopted to protect sea lions and other pinipeds from slaughter for pelts.

1912 First Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act adopted by Parliament.

1920 Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1920 - maximum penalty for an offence was $200 and one year imprisonment.

Powers of inspection and prosecution were conferred upon officers appointed by The Society and special constables appointed by the Court. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Kalgoorlie was also named in the Act, but has since closed.

(RSPCA WA once again has an Inspector in Kalgoorlie.)

1976 The Dog Act (WA) introduced to amend and consolidate the law relating to the control and registration of dog ownership.

2002 Animal Welfare Act 2002 replaced the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1920. The maximum penalty increased to $50,000 and two years imprisonment for individuals, and $250,000 for corporations.

2011 Cat Act 2011 came into full effect 1 November 2013, and includes compulsory microchipping, registration and sterlisation.

2019 RSPCA WA worked with the WA Government to promote public submissions to amendments to the Dog Act and Cat Act, and into Draft Standards and Guidelines for the Health and Welfare of Dogs in WA. RSPCA WA has also made a submission to the review of the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

Latest

Administration Support Officer

RSPCA WA has an exciting opportunity for a confident, professional and personable individual to join our team in a frontline position which provides a high level of administration and customer service support for RSPCA WA.
RSPCA WA Pet Census – It's all love despite rising costs

Almost three quarters of WA pet owners celebrate their pet’s birthday, RSPCA WA’s annual pet census found, with over half saying their pet’s biggest impact in life is providing love and companionship.
RSPCA WA foster care far from a drag

RSPCA WA recently published a Facebook post to attract much-needed foster carers for about 30 Burmese cats who were all named after drag queens. The response was overwhelming, with many of the cats now in homes.
Treatment of sick old dog 'outrageous' and 'disgusting'

In Midland Magistrates Court today a 54-year-old Eden Hill man was sentenced to six-months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, for failing to seek medical care for his 18-year-old Labrador-cross named Bear. He was also prohibited from owning animals for five years.

Key dates

Since 1892, RSPCA WA in its various forms has continued to advocate for better welfare of animals in Western Australia.
Inspectors and Legislation

With only one salaried Inspector in 1894, meeting the needs of the community was often arduous and the inspector's lifestyle tiring.
The Early Days

The Western Australian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (now RSPCA WA) was established on 2 August 1892 by a reading circle of female friends, with a membership fee of one shilling.